Discovering My Passion for Mental Performance Coaching

If there’s one thing sports taught me, it’s how to push my limits—to show up, perform under pressure, and leave it all on the court. But what I didn’t learn right away, and what I wish I had understood much earlier in my career, was just how much of the game is mental. For years, I struggled in silence with things like self-doubt, the weight of expectations, and the loneliness that came with injuries. It wasn’t until I started addressing the mental side of performance that I truly began to thrive—not just as an athlete but as a person.

When I retired from basketball, I found myself facing a different set of mental challenges: imposter syndrome, identity crises, and the fear of starting over. Looking back now, it’s clear to me that those struggles, both on and off the court, were leading me to where I am today—as a mental performance coach. But getting here wasn’t easy, and that’s the story I want to share.

The Mental Roadblocks No One Talks About

As an athlete, I was no stranger to pressure. Whether it was delivering in a championship game or bouncing back after a tough loss, the expectations were always there. On the outside, I seemed composed, but on the inside, it was a different story.

I wrestled with self-doubt constantly. Was I good enough? Did I deserve to be on this team? Could I keep up with the competition? These thoughts were like background noise in my head, always there, quietly chipping away at my confidence.

And then there were the injuries—those moments when your body forces you to slow down, but your mind races even faster. Injuries didn’t just hurt physically; they isolated me. Sitting on the sidelines, I felt cut off from my teammates and from the game I loved. I was in my own head, questioning my worth and struggling to find purpose while I healed.

I know now that what I experienced is something so many athletes go through but rarely talk about. It’s the mental side of sports that gets swept under the rug. And honestly, that’s why I’m here now—because I believe it’s time to shine a light on these struggles and give athletes the tools they need to not just survive, but thrive.

Becoming a Beginner Again

When I started my transition out of basketball and into the world of mental performance coaching, I thought my experience as a pro athlete would give me a head start. Instead, I quickly realized how much I had to learn.

Building a business was a whole new game, and it came with its own set of challenges. Suddenly, I was wearing hats I’d never worn before—marketer, strategist, administrator, and more. It felt overwhelming. Back when I was an athlete, my role was clear: focus on the game, the team, and my performance. Now, I was juggling so many responsibilities that I felt paralyzed at times, unsure of where to start or how to move forward.

And then came the excuses. Some were valid—I was living in Japan at the time, and the time difference made it hard to connect with people and network. I was also adjusting to life as a supportive partner, showing up for my husband’s games three times a week. And let’s not forget the internal battles: the identity crisis, the imposter syndrome, and the pressure to perform in this new chapter of my life.

But the hardest part? Being a beginner again. I hadn’t felt that kind of discomfort in years. When you’ve mastered something like a sport, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to be new at something—to not know the answers, to stumble, to fail. My ego hated it. I found myself wishing I could skip this phase entirely. But, as I’ve come to learn, you can’t fast-forward through growth. You have to sit with it, embrace it, and let it shape you.

Why Mental Performance Matters

As I reflect on my journey, both as an athlete and as someone rebuilding their career, one thing stands out: the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical. That’s true whether you’re competing at the highest level or starting over in a new field.

What I realized during my playing days—and what fuels my work as a coach—is that mental performance isn’t just about “pushing through” or “toughing it out.” It’s about developing resilience, learning how to handle setbacks, and cultivating a mindset that allows you to perform at your best under any circumstances.

In my coaching, I focus on the tools I wish I’d had as an athlete:

• Resilience training to help athletes bounce back from failure and stay focused under pressure.

• Strategies for handling setbacks, so they don’t derail your confidence or performance.

• Growth mindset techniques, because success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about learning and improving every day.

  
  

These aren’t just skills for the court—they’re skills for life. And seeing the impact they’ve had on the athletes I work with has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

What I Want Athletes to Know

I get it. Starting over is hard. Feeling like a beginner again is hard. And addressing the mental challenges you face—whether it’s doubt, pressure, or fear of failure—can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my journey, it’s this: your mental game is just as important as your physical game. And when you invest in it, you don’t just perform better—you live better.

Takeaway

The mental side of sports is just as important as the physical, and I’m here to help athletes master it so they can perform—and live—at their best. Whether you’re navigating the pressure of competition or figuring out your next chapter, the tools to succeed are within reach.