Heir to the Invisible Throne Syndrome: Sports Development and the American Dream

Heir to the Invisible Throne Syndrome, a new syndrome derived from social behavior in society and the sports environment. The American Dream and Sports Development: risks, odds, hopes, dreams, and a chance of making it as a professional sports player. Young athletes are led to go against the odds feeling the strain from parents, coaches, and schools to become an heir to an invisible throne. A throne that never existed or a throne those before them failed to create. A throne of wealth of achievements, those who are doing the pressuring will never accomplish themselves. The throne is invisible to the majority; however, there are a few exceptions, we call it becoming a part of “the 1 percent.” Youth athletes often feel as though it is their responsibility to buy their mom a home, or buy their dad a sports car, or take care of the entire family. The athlete is browbeaten or encouraged to pursue a professional sports career against incredible odds, without minimizing risks, and without an alternative career plan. An alternative career plan will result in the athlete becoming a part of the 50 percent and still achieve the American Dream.