Carol Robins

Over the past 17 years I've worked with some incredibly talented young athletes, their parents, and coaches. I have been a part of championship-winning teams and toured the world as both a sports scientist and coach to countries including The USA, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. These experiences, both at home and internationally, have helped shape my approach to youth athlete development and led to my national recognition as Australian Accredited Sports Scientist of the Year 2024.

During this time I have witnessed one universal truth: while talent may open doors, it’s resilience, work ethic, and mental strength that determine which young athletes rise to greatness. The Resilient Young Athlete is the guide I wish every youth athlete, parent, and coach had. Backed by science, experience, and powerful real-life stories, this book will help young athletes:

Develop a growth mindset and thrive under pressure

Set and achieve SMART goals

Sharpen focus, conquer doubts, and elevate game-day performance

Embrace failure as fuel for future success

Handle criticism and turn it into motivation

Designed with both athletes and their support networks in mind, the book includes special sections for parents and coaches — offering practical tools to support your young athlete’s mental game. 

You’ll also meet two remarkable athletes I’ve had the privilege to work with: In the USA NCHSAA and AAU basketballer Ruben Borg, and in the UK, championship-winning Wrexham FC and Burnley academy goalkeeper Kai Calderbank-Park. Their stories bring these lessons to life and show what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.

With a foreword by dual Olympic coach Mel Smith, The Resilient Young Athlete is your ultimate toolkit for building confidence and unlocking potential.

The best is yet to come — make this your turning point.

Jonny Unitus

Independently Published

The Resilient Young Athlete: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, Self Confidence, and a Growth Mindset Amid the Success and Setbacks of Youth Sports

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