Book Private Mental-performance Lessons with Coach Emma

I am a Division 1 collegiate rugby athlete and former youth national team player with extensive experience in both playing and coaching. I hold a Level Two Rugby Coaching Certification and am a Level One certified referee, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of the game from multiple perspectives.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology with a focus on coaching, I am committed to specializing in sports psychology to support athletes’ mental and emotional development. My career highlights include representing my country at the youth level, contributing to athlete development as a coach, and fostering resilience and performance through a psychology-informed approach.

With a unique combination of competitive experience, coaching expertise, and academic insight, I am dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential.

From a mental perspective, I help athletes improve their game by focusing on mindset, emotional resilience, and cognitive strategies. Here’s how:

1. Building Confidence: I help athletes reframe negative thoughts and self-doubt into constructive, empowering beliefs, ensuring they step into every game with self-assurance.

2. Managing Pressure: I teach techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and visualization to stay calm and focused during high-stakes moments.

3. Enhancing Focus: Through mental skills training, I help athletes sharpen their concentration, block out distractions, and maintain peak performance under stress.

4. Developing Resilience: I guide athletes in handling setbacks constructively, bouncing back stronger, and maintaining motivation during challenging times.

5. Goal Setting and Motivation: I work with athletes to set realistic, incremental goals that keep them driven and aligned with their long-term aspirations.

6. Mental Game Planning: I teach athletes to visualize success, anticipate challenges, and mentally rehearse strategies, ensuring they are mentally prepared for any situation.

By addressing the mental side of performance, I equip athletes with the tools they need to overcome challenges, perform consistently, and excel in their sport.

A typical mental training session focuses on building the psychological tools an athlete needs to enhance performance. Here’s what it might look like:

1. Check-In (5-10 minutes)

• Start with a brief discussion about the athlete’s recent experiences, challenges, and goals.

• Identify any mental barriers or focus areas for the session.

2. Goal Setting (5-10 minutes)

• Set a specific mental skill or mindset goal for the session, such as improving focus, managing pressure, or building confidence.

• Tie the goal to their larger performance objectives.

3. Skill Development (15-20 minutes)

• Teach and practice mental techniques tailored to the athlete’s needs, such as:

• Visualization: Guiding the athlete through mental imagery of successful plays or overcoming obstacles.

• Mindfulness Training: Practicing presence and self-awareness to stay grounded.

• Cognitive Reframing: Identifying and replacing negative thought patterns with constructive ones.

• Breathing Exercises: Learning breath control to regulate emotions and maintain composure.

4. Application to Sport (10-15 minutes)

• Discuss or role-play how to apply the mental skill in specific scenarios, such as high-pressure moments, recovering from a mistake, or maintaining focus during a game.

• Use sport-specific examples to make the practice relevant and actionable.

5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5-10 minutes)

• Review what was learned and discuss how to integrate it into training or competition.

• Set actionable steps for the athlete to practice independently before the next session.

This structure ensures that each session is focused, practical, and aligned with the athlete’s unique needs and goals.

The best coach I’ve ever had is my current coach at Life University, Ryszard Chadwick. Rys stands out for his ability to blend technical expertise with a profound understanding of the mental side of the game. He has a unique approach to fostering both individual growth and team cohesion, which creates an environment where athletes feel empowered to push their limits.

What makes Rys exceptional is his ability to adapt his coaching style to each athlete’s strengths and needs while maintaining a clear vision for the team. His emphasis on discipline, strategy, and mindset has not only elevated my performance on the field but also inspired me as a developing coach. His leadership is a constant reminder of the importance of balancing skill development with building resilience and confidence, both of which are crucial for long-term success.

I bring a unique combination of academic excellence, athletic success, and a passion for supporting athletes’ growth. As a college valedictorian with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I understand the value of hard work, perseverance, and mental resilience.

My athletic career includes competing as a Division 1 collegiate rugby player and representing the youth national team. I am also a Level Two certified rugby coach and Level One referee, equipping me with the skills and insight to guide athletes in both technical and strategic aspects of their game.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology and working toward ICF mental health coaching certification, I am deeply committed to helping athletes unlock their full potential. My approach focuses on enhancing performance while fostering mental strength and confidence, empowering athletes to excel on and off the field.