Facing adversity is a defining moment for any athlete. In this discussion, Brianne Jenner and Topher Scott share their personal experiences of being cut from teams and how those setbacks became pivotal in their development.
Instead of dwelling on disappointment, they used rejection as motivation to improve, refine their skills, and come back stronger. Their stories serve as powerful lessons for both players and parents—highlighting the importance of resilience, focusing on what can be controlled, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Below are key takeaways from their conversation that can help young athletes navigate their own journey.
1. Resilience is Essential for Success
- Setbacks are a natural part of any athlete’s journey.
- Learning to overcome adversity builds the mental toughness needed to achieve great things in hockey and in life.
2. Parents Should Avoid Making Excuses
- Instead of blaming coaches or comparing players, parents should focus on what can be controlled.
- Encouraging a growth mindset will help kids respond positively to challenges.
3. Use Being Cut as Motivation
- Every setback is an opportunity to improve and prove doubters wrong.
- Focus on what can be done differently to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
4. Control What You Can Control
- Instead of dwelling on unfair situations, create a plan to improve skills and work harder.
- Developing a strong work ethic ensures players are prepared for the next opportunity.
5. Setbacks Can Be the Best Thing to Happen
- Both Brianne and Topher reflect on how getting cut helped them refocus and become better players. Brianne shares a story that was part of her discussion with Topher. View the full interview here: Lessons Beyond the Ice with Brianne Jenner & Topher Scott.
- Failure often leads to the biggest growth moments and future success.
6. Learn from the Best
- Observing elite players' habits, preparation, and intensity provides a roadmap for improvement.
- Being in a competitive environment, even without making the final team, is valuable experience in hockey and in life.
7. The Best Athletes in the World Have Been Cut
- Learn from Brianne and Topher in the video above. Brianne is one of the worlds most decorated hockey players, winning Gold Medals for Team Canada and now Captain of PWHL's Ottawa Charge. Topher scored over 100 points while playing for Cornell in Division 1 NCAA while being a Team Captain 2 of the 4 years there. There story is very common among the best in the world. You can research more, but here are a few other stories to help you realize that being cut is all part of the process:
- Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team his sophomore year, Lionel Messi was cut from his youth soccer team at age 11, Martin St. Louis was cut from youth teams at 12, & 14, and was undrafted but went on to win NHL MVP, a Stanley Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.
A special thank you to Brianne and Topher for sharing their story! If you found this article helpful as a coach, parent, or player, please consider sharing it with someone you think may enjoy it.
Coaches & Associations that are looking for additional material to help with tryouts, please visit our Complete Hockey Tryout Guide For Coaches & Associations.