March Madness “The Pressure Cooker”- Handling Stress and Expectations

March Madness is here, bringing intense pressure for athletes who must balance peak performance with academics, family expectations, future plans, friendships, and coaching demands. Our discussion will focus on the mental state of athletes, the high emotions involved, and the stressors that arise during this time. We’ll break down how athletes handle setbacks, manage stress, and build coping strategies. A key example is the Duke vs. Carolina game, where a seasoned player made a crucial mistake under pressure, highlighting the immense mental strain athletes face in high-stakes moments.