Athlete Mindset

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii was invited as a guest on Bliss Radio Jordan’s “Rise and Shine” show. The short interview covers a range of topics including mental health, mental performance, the zone of optimal functioning, emotional adjustment, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Lisa also touches on the importance of viewing confidence and motivation as skills ra...

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with sports industry influencer, Megan Reyes. Megan is a sports host and content creator. She joins this episode to discuss her journey in the soccer world, being a Filipina in the sports industry, and the pros and cons of being an influencer in sports. Megan is also a mental health advocate, and in this conversation, she emphasizes th...

Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy: Marcia Tafarel’s Journey to the US Women’s Futsal National Team In this inspiring episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii talks with Marcia Tafarel, the first-ever US Women’s Futsal National Head Coach and a trailblazing former Brazilian National soccer player. Together, they delve into Marcia’s remarkable journey, the challenges she f...

This episode of Athlete Mindset features Lisa Bonta Sumii as a guest on Roots Radio, the official podcast of the Oakland Roots. In this engaging conversation, Roots Radio host, Richie Nuñez sits down with Lisa, an accomplished Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, to explore the various facets of becoming a top-tier athlete. Discover practical mental health strategies that ca...

Join us on the Athlete Mindset podcast as Lisa Bonta Sumii appears as a guest on Culture in Action presented by WISL – Women’s Independent Soccer League. In this episode Culture in Action host, Alexa Doebler, learns more from Lisa about mental health & wellness in the sports ecosystem, how leaders in the sports industry can support positive mental health practices for their athletes, and how w...

Join us on the Athlete Mindset podcast as Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with a resident physician in the UC San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Pediatrics and a Founder of Embrace the Mind, Dr. Tiana Woolridge. Tiana’s father, a former professional NBA player Orlando Woolridge, was diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Tiana and Lisa talk about substance use disorder, mental illness, how to reco...

Join us on the Athlete Mindset podcast as Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with professional soccer player Michelle Alozie. American-born, Nigerian national team player, Michelle shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and persevering through college at the University of Tennessee to become a forward for the Houston Dash of the NWSL. The Dash is affiliated with the MLS’s Houston Dynamo. Li...

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with Ohio State Buckeye, Nate Oliver. Nate was a key member of the 2007 to 2011 Ohio State Buckeye football program under legendary coach, Jim Tressel. Nate and Lisa discuss the influence of life-changing mentorship on collegiate athletes. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way!) Conversation list from “Coach Jim Tres...

At this point, we’ve all seen or at least heard about what happened in the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game in early January 2023. Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety for the Bills suffered cardiac arrest after what seemed like a routine tackle. Damar collapsed on the field in front of millions of people watching. Such an event has an impact on the mental health of all...

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with the Elev8 Podcast host, Tyler Johnson. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW is interviewed by Tyler Johnson — they discuss mental health, therapy in sports, developing mental skills, and positive self-talk. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way!) Conversation list from “Developing Mental Skills | Elev8 P...

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with a professional female soccer player, Luca Deza. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW and Luca Deza discuss gratefulness/thankfulness, Luca’s journey to pro female soccer career, her company/agency – Divine Time, and things you can do to improve your health (physically, mentally and spiritually). Conversation list: An offer to play in...

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with student-athlete, Albert Urias. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW and Albert Urias discuss “controlling your controllables”, the life of a wrestler in college, and mindset. Conversation list: CSUB Wrestler, Bachelor’s Degree Mindset is crucial, and mental health is a huge component in sports and in life There’s still a stigma in ta...

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with the owner of Fearless & Capable, Candice Fabry. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW and Candice discuss the horrifying abuse in the NWSL , suppressed abuse, victim blaming, and being a survivor of abuse. Also discussed is what Candice is doing to help athletes through her female-led and inspired sport career mentorship program....

The Women’s Coaching Alliance mission is to grow the number of women coaching youth sports. The Founder of the Women’s Coaching Alliance, Pam Baker, chats with Lisa Bonta Sumii in this Athlete Mindset episode. The Women’s Coaching Alliance beginnings: Doug Friedman, who was a Burlingame resident and long-time coach for his daughters, passed away in August 2020. Doug benefited from both playing and...

“Creating a platform where females feel empowered.” -Sydney Supple Sydney is a rising senior at Northwestern University. Born and raised in Oshkosh, WI. Three-time Gatorade Player of the Year for Wisconsin and State Champion her senior year. She committed to Northwestern in 8th grade and she is a pitcher, first baseman, and designated hitter for the Northwestern Wildcats. This past year (21-22), N...

“Be in the space”. – Dr. Missy Price, Ph. D. Missy is making an impact on the game of soccer as the USL’s Vice President of Women’s Soccer. Missy Price will lead on-field initiatives for the USL’s youth-to-pro women’s pathway. She will also support USL Super League and W League Clubs in structuring their technical departments. (source: USL ) More about Dr. Missy Price: Twitter LinkedIn USL website...

Mike Moore is breaking through trauma to serve others as a former NFL Player, Kansas State graduate, and K-State Wildcat player. More about Mike Moore: Founder: We L;ving TEDx speaker: Breaking Through Trauma While Serving Others | TEDxWilmington Kansas State: Family on His Mind NFL: Fighting for roster spot Lisa Bonta-Sumii, LCSW, CSW shares space with Mike Moore in this episode — they discuss br...

From significant injury as a soccer goalkeeper > to noticing a lack of resources > to leading the athlete mental health team for Team USA. And so much work and stories in between it all. Senior Director of Psychological Services at USOPC and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Denver, Dr. Jessica Bartley chats with Lisa Bonta-Sumii, LCSW, CSW in this episode about athlete menta...

“I care about being a better person.” – Josh Beauregard-Bell NBA Agent, Josh Beauregard-Bell chats with Lisa Bonta-Sumii, LCSW, CSW in this episode about the life of an NBA agent. So often, the public assumes that sports agents are in it for all the wrong reasons. But then you hear a conversation like this–and remember, there are great people in this line of work doing good for others. Josh’s humi...

“A mental health diagnosis is not a death sentence”. This episode is about de-stigmatizing mental health challenges and prioritizing conversations around them. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW is joined by a trailblazer in her field, Maya McClendon. Maya works as a mental health and sustainability advocate. Maya was a highly decorated volleyball player at Arizona State University and t...

The way you show up in the world is reflective of your character. That is exactly what Trey Wertz and his father Langston Wertz Jr. strive to do every day — show up and be good citizens. Join us for this special episode that shines a spotlight on what it means to truly dedicate yourself completely on and off the court. Trey and Langston epitomize commitment in all they do. In this episode, Lisa Bo...

It’s amazing the difference you can make when you are dedicated to a cause. Hugh Roberts, athlete activist and professional soccer player — and our guest for this podcast episode, talks about it all in this conversation. His passion to help his family and community is the driver to build his life outside of soccer — and for the time he transitions out of playing soccer, whenever that may be. In th...

“If things that people say make you feel uncomfortable then 9 times out of 10 it’s true.” This conversation hits on many essential topics in and around the world of sports — namely: equity, diversity and inclusion in sports. The stories and dialogue behind those words need to be shared and heard. Hit play on this episode and you’ll know what we mean. This episode features psychotherapist and menta...

“What are you outside of sports?” This conversation features Mental Health & Sports Performance Coach, Lisa Bonta Sumii sharing space with Amanda Banks, Founder of Sports to Suits. A company on a mission to help athletes get a career outside of sports. Topics explored in this conversation: transitioning to life after sports feeling isolated as a child gymnast not having an identity outside of...

A podcast episode all about the movement for MENtal HEALth and wellness among men. This conversation features Mental Health & Sports Performance Coach, Lisa Bonta Sumii sharing space with James Harris, the founder of Men to Heal. James Harris attended St Paul’s College and has a BA in Psychology. After his freshman year, he joined the Army. James has eight years of service with an honorable di...