Be Valiant

Ep. 5 From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow

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Todd and his daughter Sydney revisit her years in competitive soccer — from early youth leagues to the pressures of high school and club play. Sydney shares what it was like to balance joy with expectations, navigate challenging team cultures, and grow as both a leader and a player. Together, father and daughter reflect on the lessons soccer gave her on and off the pitch, and what every sports parent can take away about supporting their kids in healthy, empowering ways.