Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Get Hurt to Make It to College Ball

I help basketball moms navigate elite travel ball from Little League through college recruiting without the $50K+ money traps or the family chaos.

Both my sons played NCAA basketball under 6 feet tall. They got there with healthy bodies, strong minds and zero burnout. I’ll show you how (without sacrificing your family’s sanity or savings).

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The Youth Sports Industry Is Broken

The Financial Trap

Youth sports has become a $20+ billion industry. Families spend $30,000-$50,000+ per year on elite travel teams, private coaching, showcases, and tournaments that promise exposure—but rarely deliver college scholarships.

The Health Crisis

Overtraining injuries are skyrocketing. Tommy John surgeries in teenagers. Stress fractures. Burnout. My son’s teammates were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after a single practice. This shouldn’t be normal, but it’s becoming common.

The Family Cost

Year-round sports schedules destroy family time. Weekends consumed by tournaments 3+ hours away. Siblings neglected. Parents burned out. Marriages strained. All for a 2% chance at a D1 scholarship.

I’ve lived this.

I’ve seen the system fail families firsthand. And I’m here to help you navigate it smarter.

My Story

I’m Tammy Appleton – sports mom, advocate, and founder of Peak Play.

I spent 15+ years navigating the elite youth basketball system. Both my sons made it to NCAA basketball despite being under 6 feet tall. We had incredible moments – surprise pick-up games with NBA players, training alongside pros, celebrating their college signing days.

But nothing prepared me for the phone call that multiple teammates had been hospitalised with rhabdomyolysis after a brutal practice.

Rhabdo is a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and floods the bloodstream caused by extreme overexertion. These were high school kids. Strong, healthy athletes. And they were in the ICU because a coach pushed them too hard.

That moment changed everything for me.

I realized the youth sports system prioritizes winning over well-being. Coaches are under pressure to produce results. Parents are under pressure to get their kids recruited. And kids are caught in the middle—overtrained, undereducated, and vulnerable to exploitation.

I decided no family should have to choose between athletic success and their child’s safety.

That’s why I created Peak Play to give you the knowledge, resources, and support to navigate youth sports smartly. To help your athlete reach their potential without sacrificing their health, your family’s sanity, or your life savings.

My sons played NCAA ball and graduated with degrees and no regrets. That’s the outcome I want for your family too.

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Peak Performance Playbook

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Navigate Youth Sports Like an Insider (Without the Expensive Mistakes)

Here’s what you’ll get access to when you join the Peak Play community:

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Financial Reality Checks

What’s actually worth spending money on (and what’s a waste)
How to evaluate travel teams, showcases, and private coaching
College recruiting timelines and scholarship realities

Grant opportunities and financial aid strategies

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Health & Safety Education

Warning signs of overtraining and burnout
Questions to ask coaches about training loads
Injury prevention strategies
Mental health resources for student-athletes

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Recruiting Guidance

What college coaches actually look for (it’s not what you think)
How to navigate recruiting without expensive “services”
NCAA eligibility requirements and timelines
How to support your athlete’s decision-making process

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Family Balance Strategies

Managing multi-sport schedules without losing your mind
How to support without overstepping
Setting boundaries with coaches and organisations
Keeping siblings and marriages intact through the chaos

Peak Play Mission

To educate, support, and reform helping parents make informed decisions while fostering a thriving and balanced experience for their young athletes.

Peak Play provides:

Parent Education – Insights on training, development, and the realities of youth sports.
Community & Support – A network of like-minded families, experts, and resources.
Advocacy for Safety Reform –including safety protocols, injury prevention, athlete well-being and accountability.
Guidance for Long-Term Success – on and off the field.

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Start Here: Download the Free Peak Performance Playbook

Your essential guide to protecting your athlete while pursuing their dreams

What's inside:

The 5 warning signs every parent needs to recognize (overtraining, manipulation, unsafe coaching
Questions to ask coaches before joining a team or program
Mental health resources and conversation starters for your athlete
The real timeline for college recruiting (and what matters at each stage)
How to protect your athlete's physical well-being without being "that parent"
Budget worksheet: What's actually worth spending money on

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