Book Private Mental-performance Lessons with Coach Courtney

Cheerleading has been a part of my life since I was five years old, and it has shaped who I am as both an athlete and a coach. For the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching at the gym my husband and I co-own, where I’ve learned just how powerful mindset can be in an athlete’s journey. Those experiences inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in sport psychology and currently pursuing my PhD, so I can better support athletes not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

What matters most to me is helping athletes feel seen, supported, and capable. I understand the fear, pressure, excitement, and expectations that come with performing—especially in a sport as demanding as cheer. My approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based mental skills, and a genuine desire to help each athlete grow in confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

At the heart of everything I do is this mission: to help athletes break through the mental barriers holding them back and discover the strength they already have inside them—both in their sport and in their lives.

I help athletes strengthen the mental side of their performance so they can show up with confidence, clarity, and consistency—no matter the pressure. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, understand what you’re experiencing, and figure out what you need to feel steady, focused, and in control again. Together, we’ll build practical tools and personalized strategies that help you work through nerves, doubt, setbacks, and any moments where the sport feels heavy instead of exciting. My hope is that you not only perform at your best, but also rediscover the joy, purpose, and belief that brought you into your sport in the first place.

Here’s how I can support your growth:

Build Unshakeable Confidence: Learn how to trust your training, believe in your abilities, and step into every practice or performance with a stronger sense of self.

Manage Performance Anxiety: Understand where your stress comes from and develop practical techniques to stay grounded, focused, and in control when it matters most.

Overcome Mental Blocks & Fear: Whether it’s a skill you’re struggling with or a moment that shook your confidence, we’ll work through it step by step so you can move forward safely and successfully.

Strengthen Focus & Mental Discipline: Improve your ability to stay present, eliminate distractions, and maintain the mental sharpness needed to perform your best from start to finish.

Enhance Motivation & Mindset: We’ll explore what drives you, align your goals with your values, and create routines that help you stay motivated—even on tough days.

Develop Healthy Coping Skills: Learn tools for handling frustration, setbacks, and pressure in a way that supports both your performance and your overall well-being.

Perform With Greater Consistency: By combining mental skills training with self-awareness and personalized strategies, you’ll learn how to deliver a stable, reliable performance in any environment.

My goal is to help you feel more confident, more prepared, and more empowered every time you step on the mat, field, or court. Together, we’ll build the mindset that allows you to perform like the athlete you truly are.

A training session with me is designed to address not just physical skills, but the mental and emotional aspects of performance, so you leave feeling confident, focused, and prepared for any challenge. Every session is customized to meet you where you are and aligned with your goals, strengths, and the pressures of your sport.

1. Check-In and Mental Assessment (5–10 minutes):

We start by talking about how you’re feeling—mentally, emotionally, and physically. This could include discussing recent performances, challenges you’ve faced, or specific stressors affecting your mindset. This check-in allows me to understand what’s happening for you in the moment and identify areas to focus on during the session.

2. Goal Setting and Session Focus (5 minutes):

Together, we clarify the goal for the session. This might be improving focus under pressure, managing performance anxiety, building self-confidence, or strengthening mental routines. Setting a clear objective ensures every activity and exercise in the session has purpose.

3. Mental Skills Training and Techniques (20–30 minutes):

This is the core of the session. Depending on your needs, we might work on:

Visualization and imagery: Practicing mental rehearsal of routines, skills, or competitive scenarios to build confidence and consistency.

Focus and concentration drills: Techniques to stay present and block out distractions during high-pressure moments.

Stress and anxiety management: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing to handle pressure effectively.

Self-talk strategies: Developing positive, motivating internal dialogue and replacing negative thought patterns.

Resilience and coping skills: Learning to bounce back quickly from mistakes, setbacks, or criticism.

4. Application Exercises (10–15 minutes):

We bring the skills into real-world scenarios. This could include simulated competition situations, mental rehearsal of routines, or problem-solving exercises related to your sport. The goal is to practice applying mental strategies in a realistic context, so they become automatic when it matters most.

5. Reflection and Feedback (5–10 minutes):

We review what worked well, what felt challenging, and how the strategies can be improved or adapted. You’ll reflect on your progress, and I’ll provide actionable feedback and encouragement to reinforce your growth.

6. Action Plan and Homework (5 minutes):

Every session ends with concrete takeaways. I’ll give you exercises or mental routines to practice between sessions, helping you integrate these skills into daily training, competition, and even life outside of sport. This ensures progress continues beyond our time together.

The Experience You’ll Walk Away With:

By the end of each session, you’ll feel more focused, confident, and in control of your performance. You’ll have a toolbox of mental strategies tailored specifically to you, so you can handle pressure, overcome self-doubt, and perform at your best consistently. Each session is designed to leave you not just better prepared for your sport, but more self-aware, resilient, and motivated as an athlete.

The best coach I ever had was someone who not only pushed me to be my best physically but also challenged me to grow mentally and emotionally. They believed in me even when I doubted myself, taught me how to handle pressure, and showed me that mistakes are opportunities to learn, not failures.

What made this coach truly exceptional was their ability to balance discipline with encouragement—they held me accountable while always making me feel supported and capable. They helped me develop confidence, resilience, and a love for my sport that still motivates me today.

That experience shaped the way I coach. I strive to be that coach for every athlete I work with—someone who empowers them to overcome challenges, believe in themselves, and perform at their highest level while still enjoying the journey.

I am passionate about helping athletes grow not just as performers, but as confident, resilient, and self-aware individuals. I understand the pressures that come with competition—whether it’s nerves before a routine, fear of making a mistake, or the challenge of staying focused under pressure—and I work closely with athletes to develop the mental tools to navigate those moments successfully.

I believe in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where athletes feel safe to push themselves, make mistakes, and learn from them. My coaching style is approachable and understanding, but also structured and goal-oriented. I value open communication with both athletes and parents, ensuring everyone understands the goals, progress, and strategies we are using.

Ultimately, my mission is to help athletes enjoy their sport while building confidence, consistency, and a strong mindset that will benefit them both on and off the mat.