Mental Performance coachCoach Danessa
Private Mental Performance CoachCoach Danessa
Works with all age groups
Available: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Pricing
Get to know Danessa
Train your mind to perform when the pressure is on.
You can have all the physical ability in the world—and still struggle to access it when the pressure is on. I help athletes manage overthinking, confidence, pressure, mistakes, momentum shifts, and the mental patterns that interfere with performance. Using performance psychology, nervous system regulation, and practical reset strategies, we'll build tools you can actually use before, during, and after competition. I'm not here to change your mechanics. I'm here to help you access more of the athlete you already are when it matters most.
A typical training session
We start with what's actually happening in your performance right now.
Maybe you're getting stuck after mistakes, overthinking during competition, losing confidence, struggling with pressure, or performing differently in practice than you do when it counts.
We'll identify the pattern, understand what's driving it, and work on practical mental-performance and nervous-system tools you can apply in real situations. That might include strategies for resetting after a mistake, regulating your body under pressure, shifting attention, interrupting unhelpful thought patterns, or building a pre-competition and recovery routine.
Sessions are conversational, practical, and tailored to you. You'll leave understanding yourself better and with something specific to practice—not just a motivational speech.
Career & accomplishments
I bring more than 18 years of experience in leadership, strategy, performance, and coaching high performers under pressure.
I'm a certified Health & Life Coach and an experienced yoga, meditation, and breathwork instructor, with specialized work focused on performance psychology, nervous system regulation, burnout recovery, and the behavioral patterns that influence performance.
My career has included coaching leaders and high performers, developing performance and recovery programs, facilitating workshops, teaching mind-body practices, and speaking about the connection between our internal state and how we perform.
I'm also a lifelong student of sports and particularly fascinated by what separates physical ability from the ability to consistently access it under pressure.
Best coach I ever had
The best coaches I've had were the ones who didn't try to give me all the answers.
They asked better questions.
They helped me see patterns I couldn't see from inside them, challenged me when I needed it, and created enough safety for me to be honest about what was actually happening.
That's the kind of coach I try to be. I don't want an athlete dependent on me for the answer. I want them to understand themselves well enough that eventually they can recognize the pattern, make the adjustment, and trust themselves in the moment.
What athletes & parents should know
I coach the person behind the performance.
I'm not here to replace your sport-specific coach or change your swing, stroke, mechanics, or technique. My lane is what happens internally when the pressure rises.
I'm direct, supportive, curious, and practical. I believe athletes perform better when they understand themselves—not when they're simply told to try harder.
I also know that every athlete is different. What creates confidence for one athlete may create pressure for another, so I don't use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you're trying to compete at the next level or simply want to enjoy your sport without your own mind getting in the way, we'll work on helping you access more of what you're already capable of.
Training locations
25% off your 1st lesson
$125
$94
Then $400/mo for 4 lessons, starting 48 hours after your 1st lesson. Cancel anytime.
Good Fit Guarantee
How it works
Find a Coach
Browse our roster of vetted private coaches to find the right fit for you.
Book Lessons
Book and schedule your lessons through our platform.
Start Training
Meet your coach in-person or virtually, and start chasing down your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact a coach?
If you’re looking to message a coach for the first time, go to their profile and click “Send a Message”. A type box will show, where you can enter and send your message. To follow up with a coach you've already contacted, log into your account and find the 'Inbox' tab. You'll see your message history and be able to send another note.
How do I book lessons?
Once you find a coach that fits your needs, go to their profile, select the package you'd like to purchase, and click 'Book Lessons'. Here, you can reserve your desired number of lessons along with the number of athletes who will be training. After sessions are booked, coordinate the dates/times for each session on your calendar - using the calendar is important since this is how your coach will get paid.
Can I pay my coach via Venmo or cash?
Paying AU coaches via cash, Venmo, or any 3rd party is strictly prohibited. AU coaches know this, but their partnership with us is to split all bookings 80/20 - so coaches keep 80%. We use our 20% to help them find clients & manage their business. Without the split, we wouldn't be able to help our coaches & community thrive!
What if I don't feel comfortable paying online?
We integrate with Stripe - the largest & most secure payment processor in the US - to facilitate bookings. Paying online is required, and it simplifies the process for our coaches since it helps track their schedule & earnings in one place. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
Where will the coach hold their lessons?
Each coach typically has at least one preferred training location. You can see the location(s) by going to your coach's profile and finding the 'Training Locations' section. If a coach doesn't have locations listed here, you can message the coach to see where they train. Some coaches are willing to travel to clients for lessons, or even meet halfway.
When is the coach available to train?
Each coach sets their own schedule for training. You can see a coach's general availability by going to their profile and finding the 'Availability' section - it will list the days and times. If a coach doesn't post their availability, or if your preferred coach doesn't have your desired times available but you want to double check, message them to see if they can work with your schedule.
How do rescheduling, cancellations, and lesson credits work?
Good Fit Guarantee — If your first lesson isn't the right fit, we'll move your lesson credit to a new coach. No hassle.
Easy rescheduling — Cancel or reschedule up to 4 hours before a lesson, no questions asked.
Coach no-shows — You'll be fully credited and we'll help you find a replacement.
Flexible credits — Unused lessons last 12 months and can be used with any coach on the platform.
Questions? Our team is here to help. View our policies.
Do coaches work with both kids & adults?
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
Why should I trust AU and their coaches over other platforms?
AU was created by former college and pro athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process + background check, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!