Book Lessons with Coach Sara

I am a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where I swam for four years within the SEC, and received my Bachelor's in Recreation Sports Management along with my Master's in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. What drew me to mental coaching is the opportunity to help athletes reach their full potential as players and as people. Outside of sport, I love going to the beach, as I am a Florida girl through and through. I also love painting and hanging out at local coffee shops with friends.

I help athletes improve their game by breaking down skills into clear, manageable steps and creating training plans tailored to their goals. Whether it's improving fundamentals, game awareness, decision-making, confidence, or overall performance, I provide individualized coaching that helps athletes develop faster and transfer what they learn into competition.

Beyond skill development, I help athletes build the mindset, discipline, and confidence needed to perform under pressure. My goal is not only to help athletes become better players, but also to become more resilient, self-aware, and prepared for challenges both in and beyond sport.

My sessions go beyond skill development and focus on the mental side of performance. We start by discussing the athlete's goals, recent challenges, and mindset entering training. Throughout the session, I help athletes develop confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and strategies for handling pressure, mistakes, and adversity.

Using game-like situations and reflective conversations, athletes learn how to stay present, respond to setbacks, and trust their preparation. We finish each session by identifying key lessons, setting growth goals, and building habits that support success both in sport and in life.

- 17 years of firsthand experience in competitive swimming

- UTK School Record Holder

- NCAA 4x Academic All-American

- NCAA Swimming 10x All-American

- NCAA Finalist

- 4x SEC Honor Roll

- 9x SEC Medalist

- 12x SEC Finalist

- 4x USA Swimming Scholastic All-American

- 2x US Olympic Trials Qualifier

- Olympic Trials Semi-Finalist

The most impactful coach I've had is Coach Shawn Delifus, who passed in 2016. He helped me to develop a healthy and sustainable love for the sport of swimming. He was always so lighthearted when coaching and giving feedback to us, and he invested in me holistically as a young girl navigating sports, school, and life. Shawn was bubbly and energetic, no matter the hour of the day. He always asked how my day went, how school was, and how my family was before we would start training. It made me feel seen and like I could be open with my coach beyond swimming.

Athletes and parents should know that I care about the person just as much as the athlete. While skill development and performance are important, my goal is to help athletes build confidence, resilience, and habits that will serve them long after their playing career ends.

I believe the best coaching combines high standards with genuine support. Athletes who train with me can expect individualized instruction, honest feedback, and a positive environment where they are challenged to grow. Parents can expect clear communication and a coach who is invested in their athlete's development both on and off the field.

Success isn't just measured by stats, wins, or playing time; it's also measured by the character, confidence, and leadership athletes develop along the way.