Book Private Mental-performance Lessons with Coach Michelle

I provide high-level softball lessons and mental performance coaching, combining elite playing experience and proven techniques to help athletes gain skills, confidence, focus, and peak performance on and off the field.

If I were training you on your physical game:

I’d work on your mechanics and fundamentals—hitting, throwing, fielding, or pitching.

We’d focus on position-specific skills and improving your game IQ.

I’d give you drills, feedback, and practice routines to help you perform consistently at your best.

If I were training you on your mentality:

I’d help you build confidence and believe in your abilities on and off the field.

We’d work on focus, resilience, and handling pressure, so mistakes don’t derail your performance.

I’d teach you visualization, goal-setting, and positive self-talk to improve your consistency and mental toughness.

Together, we’d create a mindset that keeps you motivated, composed, and ready to compete at a high level.

Softball Training Session

1. Warm-Up & Prep

Dynamic stretching, mobility, and activation exercises.

Quick mental focus exercise: deep breathing, visualization of the session goals.

2. Physical Skills Training

Mechanics & Fundamentals: Hitting, throwing, fielding, pitching depending on position.

Position-Specific Drills: Situational plays, footwork, and game awareness.

Skill-Building Challenges: Short, focused drills to improve speed, reaction time, or accuracy.

Strength & Agility (optional 10–15 min): Core exercises, sprint work, or conditioning tailored to softball.

Mental Performance Training

1. Review of Events and Goal Setting

Discuss the athlete’s current events and short-term and long-term goals.

Identify specific mental skills to focus on (confidence, focus, resilience, handling pressure).

Set a session intention: what they want to improve today.

2. Mindfulness & Focus Warm-Up

Short guided mindfulness exercise: notice body position, grip, and movements related to their sport.

Quick discussion on mental triggers (e.g., what distracts them during games).

3. Visualization & Imagery Training

Lead the athlete through visualizing successful performance: hitting, fielding, pitching, or game situations.

Use step-by-step mental rehearsal: see, feel, and hear themselves performing optimally.

Encourage positive emotions and confidence while imagining success.

4. Self-Talk & Confidence Building

Identify negative thought patterns and replace them with empowering statements.

Develop personalized cues to use during games (e.g., “trust your swing,” “stay composed”).

5. Resilience & Pressure Situations

Discuss recent challenging moments in games or practice.

Use role-play or scenario drills to practice handling mistakes or high-pressure situations calmly.

Teach strategies to reset mentally after setbacks.

6. Goal Review & Session Wrap-Up

Recap key mental skills practiced.

Set actionable mental exercises for the athlete to practice before the next session.

*Encourage reflection in a mental performance journal: what worked, what to improve, and confidence checkpoints.

The best coach I have ever had is Tracy Gastineau, Head Softball Coach at William Woods University. As a player under her leadership, I experienced firsthand the power of discipline, dedication, and belief in your athletes. Coach Gastineau wasn’t just focused on building strong players—she was committed to developing well-rounded athletes who could perform under pressure, think critically on the field, and maintain confidence through challenges.

Her mentorship extended beyond the diamond. She taught me how to lead with empathy, hold athletes accountable, and communicate effectively, lessons that have become the foundation of my own coaching style. Coach Gastineau emphasized that coaching is about building people as much as building skills, instilling in me the belief that mindset and character are just as important as physical ability.

Today, I carry her lessons with me in every session. Whether I’m coaching high school athletes, college players, or training individuals, I strive to create an environment where athletes feel challenged, supported, and empowered—just as she did for me. Beyond being an incredible coach, she has become a mentor and friend, continually inspiring me to grow and give back to the sport that shaped both of us.

Proven Experience: I’m a former collegiate All-American and Player of the Year, with four-time All-Region and All-Conference honors. I’ve competed at the highest levels, including national tournaments, giving me firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed.

Coaching Success: I’ve coached athletes at high school and college levels, including leading a high school team to a 2nd place State Tournament finish and a college team to a National Tournament appearance. I understand how to develop athletes both individually and as part of a team.

Mental Performance Expertise: I’m a certified Mental Performance Coach (2024), helping athletes build confidence, resilience, focus, and a winning mindset. I teach skills that extend beyond physical training to help athletes perform under pressure and overcome challenges.

Individualized Approach: I tailor training to each athlete’s needs—whether that’s skill development, mental training, or both. I meet athletes where they are and create a plan that maximizes their potential.

Passionate Mentor: My goal is to help athletes grow on and off the field, building confidence, leadership, and a love for the game while preparing them for the next level of competition.

Professional Recognition: I am a member of Marquis Who’s Who, recognized for my achievements and contributions to sports and athlete development.