Podcast: USA Lacrosse’s Caitlin Kelley Discusses Sports Specialization

Early sport specialization — where kids focus on one sport too soon — is a growing trend among youth athletes. But what many parents and young athletes may not realize is that there are risks associated with specialization.

The data shows that athletes who specialize early are up to twice as likely to suffer overuse injuries, burnout, or psychological stress. The risks are real, and the payoff is rare. Less than 2% of college athletes ever go pro.

USA Lacrosse’s Caitlin Kelley, senior director of sports experience, joined this week’s MedStar Health podcast “Let’s Get Physical” to discuss some of these risks associated with early sports specialization, and how parents and coaches can help to protect young athletes.

“Different sports invite different types of movements and different types of fluidity,” Kelley said. “There’s so much to be gained from physical literacy and from playing different sports.”

Dr. Richard Hinton, a member of the USA Lacrosse’s Sports Science & Safety Committee and an orthopedic surgeon at MedStar Health who treats overuse injuries every day, was also part of the podcast.

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MedStar Health serves as the trusted medical provider for USA Lacrosse and the U.S. National Teams. Innovative treatments, professional caregivers, and first-class athlete care define this gold medal partnership that prioritizes player health and safety.