Mental Training Room

Resilience is one of the most important—and misunderstood—mental skills in sports. In this episode, we break down what resilience actually is , why it matters for athletic performance , and how athletes can strengthen resilience in real, practical ways . Athletes face constant pressure, setbacks, injuries, mistakes, and expectations. Resilience isn’t about being “mentally tough” or ignoring emotio...

Mental imagery is one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—mental performance tools in sport. In this episode of Mental Training Room , we break down what imagery is, how it works in the brain, and how athletes can use visualization to improve confidence, focus, and performance under pressure . You’ll learn the sport psychology science behind imagery , including how mental rehearsal activat...

What happens when your sport becomes your entire identity—and what happens when it’s taken away? In this episode, we break down athlete identity , why over-identifying with sport can increase anxiety, burnout, and emotional distress, and how de-fining identity can actually improve both mental health and performance. We explore how identity foreclosure shows up in youth, collegiate, and professiona...

In this episode, Haley and Naomi discuss the insights gained from a mental performance coaching session with Paige Bueckers, focusing on the importance of perspective, emotional intelligence, and the role of mental training in athletic success. They explore how reframing challenges can lead to growth, the impact of ego on performance, and the significance of serving the moment rather than seeking...

In this week’s episode, we introduce our very first Mental Take —a segment where we break down the mental side of sport, life, and everything in between. We kick things off by reflecting on why we created this segment: to give athletes and former athletes a space to feel seen, validated, and mentally equipped for the challenges that don’t always show up on box scores. From there, we shift into a r...

In this heartfelt episode, Haley and Naomi open up about the deep sense of loss and nostalgia they feel when reflecting on her college experience . The hosts share how the transition from the structured, social world of college into the responsibilities of full-time work brought unexpected emotions, including grief for the moments they missed and wishes they had appreciated more. As Haley and Naom...

In this episode of The Mental Training Room , Haley sits down with media coach and former sports broadcaster Katy Temple to talk about how athletes can build confidence, composure, and authenticity in front of the camera. Katy shares expert insights on how to communicate under pressure, manage interviews with confidence, and use storytelling to shape your personal brand as an athlete. You’ll also...

In this episode of The Mental Training Room , we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of team culture — locker room talk. The words and energy athletes bring into that space set the tone for how a team connects, competes, and supports one another. We explore why locker room conversations matter, how they shape team chemistry, and ways athletes can become more aware of the messages they send...

In this episode of "The Mental Training Room," we dive into the inspiring journey of Nana, a trailblazing linebacker in the Women's National Football Conference. From her early days playing football in Finland to overcoming significant injuries, Nana shares her unique experiences in breaking gender barriers and promoting mental health awareness in sports. Discover how her resilience...

In this episode of Mental Training Room , former gymnast Katie McNamara opens up about her experience with the twisties —a terrifying mental block that causes gymnasts to lose awareness mid-air. Katie shares what it was like to face mental blocks throughout her career, how perfectionism shaped her identity as an athlete, and the mental toll of chasing flawless performance. We explore the connectio...

In this episode of Mental Training Room , we sit down with Hailey Ra , a dedicated Taekwondo athlete, to explore the sport psychology behind Poomsae (forms) . Hailey opens up about the unique mental challenges of competing in Poomsae , including performance pressure, focus, and motivation. We discuss how mental training, self-talk, and resilience strategies can help martial artists overcome doubts...

In this episode of Mental Training Room , we sit down with Dr. Kim Hollingdale, sport psychologist for the WNBA’s LA Sparks, to explore the powerful link between the mind and body in athletic performance. Dr. Hollingdale shares why developing a healthy mind-body connection is essential for athletes at every level, how stress and mindset impact physical performance, and practical strategies players...

In this episode, NBA Coach Mike Hopkins dives deep into the mental side of elite basketball and what it takes to succeed at the highest level—while staying healthy and balanced. He shares his philosophy on strengthening your mental game, building resilience, and maintaining focus under pressure. Mike also opens up about the lessons he learned from Kobe Bryant, offering insights on mindset, leaders...

In this powerful episode of Mental Training Room , we sit down with JD DuBois — former collegiate basketball player, current NBA coach, and sport psychology professional — for a raw and insightful conversation about how trauma shapes athletes and the way they show up in their sport and life. Drawing from his personal experiences and years inside high-pressure NBA environments, JD shares how unheal...

In this episode of Mental Training Room , we sit down with professional basketball player Chris Seeley for a raw and powerful conversation about the realities athletes face behind the scenes. From the rollercoaster of the recruiting process to the pressure of constantly having to perform, Chris opens up about the mental and emotional toll that often gets overlooked. We dive into the challenges of...

In this powerful episode, Haley shares her unfiltered experience as a Division 1 (D1) walk-on athlete and the mental health challenges that came with it. Without a scholarship, she constantly felt the pressure to prove herself, pushing through emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and performance anxiety without the tools to cope. Haley opens up about the hidden side of college athletics—the burnout,...

In this episode of Mental Training Room , we’re talking directly to the first-year college athletes who are stepping into their very first summer of collegiate athletics. Whether you're feeling excited, overwhelmed, or unsure of what’s ahead, this conversation is here to ground you. We break down what no one really tells you about your freshman year as a student-athlete —from managing the pre...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Coach Kelly Dormandy , renowned mental performance coach and former collegiate athlete, to unpack the game-changing impact of work ethic, consistency, and mindset on athletic success. Coach Dormandy shares insights from her journey working with elite athletes across every level—from high school to the pros—and dives deep into the mental habits that separa...

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Auld , a leader in student-athlete development, to explore what holistic development truly means in the world of college athletics. We unpack how universities—and the NCAA—are evolving beyond performance-based models to support the whole student-athlete : mind, body, and identity. Lisa shares insights from her work implementing strategic programs that priorit...

In this episode of Mental Training Room , we sit down with Coach Jhasmin Player, former Baylor basketball star and current college coach, to unpack the powerful lessons she learned from legendary coach Kim Mulkey. Coach Player opens up about her journey through career transitions—from player to coach—and shares the mindset shifts that helped her navigate change with confidence. We also dive into h...

In this episode, we sit down with sport psychology expert Dr. Kasey Philyaw to break down the power of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) . Whether you're an athlete striving for that next level, a coach helping your players stay focused, or just someone working toward personal growth, this episode gives you the tools to set goals that actually stick. Dr....

In this episode, we’re joined by professional softball player Morgan DeBoard, who shares her unique journey as a multi-sport athlete and her experience playing one unforgettable season of college basketball alongside Haley. We dive deep into the topic of leadership —what it really looks like on and off the field, and why it’s so important. Morgan opens up about the challenge of consistently showin...

In this episode, we sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jenny Smith to explore the powerful framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how its core skills can help athletes regulate emotions during high-pressure game moments. Jenny breaks down DBT’s four pillars—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—and connects each one to...

In this Spring Session, we sit down with Jalyn Mosley—former University of Iowa soccer player and host of The Jist Podcast—to talk about one of the hardest realities in sport: injury. Jalyn shares her personal journey through the physical and emotional challenges of repeated injuries that ultimately led to her medical retirement from college soccer. We explore what it means to have your identity t...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with former Rockette and Broadway dancer Sae La Chin to dive deep into the mental health challenges behind the spotlight. Sae La shares her inspiring story of growing up as an athlete with immigrant parents, overcoming the intense pressure of the professional dance industry, and navigating her personal journey with OCD. We discuss mental health in athletes and...