THE VALIANT PARENT
Valiant Sports Society Social Media Q&A Series
TODD MERKOW
Founder & CEO, Valiant Sports Society
Former Sports Parent
The Valiant Parent shares our founder’s perspective from raising two daughters through competitive youth sports — addressing the questions, challenges and decisions sports families face along the way.
OUR FAMILY'S SPORTS JOURNEY
A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE
The college sports conversation is often framed as a single destination. For families, it can be more helpful to begin with fit: the student, the school, the sport, and the experience they want to have.
NCAA athletics is one route, but it is not the only way to keep playing, competing, and building community in college. A label should not replace a thoughtful look at what the next chapter can hold.
The goal is not to chase a particular name. It is to help your child make a decision they can own.
What sports parents should know
- College sports offers more than one meaningful path.
- The best fit includes academics, athletics, and the student’s life beyond sport.
- A family can ask questions and explore options without turning the decision into a race.
YOUR HAPPY MOMENT
Make room for a conversation about what your child wants from college—not only what level they hope to play.
Looking for more on this topic?
College Sports Decisions
Explore trusted guidance, conversations, articles and resources that can help families consider fit, opportunity and life beyond a single sports path.
Videos · Conversations · Articles · Resources
Have a specific question?
Use the Valiant Guide below to get started.
Trusted resources
More from The Valiant Parent
Explore more real questions and straight answers for sports parents.
Explore The Valiant Parent →Disclaimer
The Valiant Parent reflects Todd Merkow’s personal perspective as a former sports parent, including lessons learned and things he might approach differently looking back. It is intended to help parents think, ask questions and find trusted information—not to provide medical or mental health advice. When a child’s physical or emotional well-being is a concern, parents should seek guidance from an appropriate qualified professional.
Original transcript
The original video transcript will be added when the Valiant Parent video is supplied.