Athletic Background
Summary of Career and Accomplishments
I am a Cognitive Skills Specialist, Mental Performance Coach, and NASM-certified personal Trainer. I am passionate about helping youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes enhance their focus, decision-making, and mental resilience to reach their fullest potential. My expertise spans cognitive skills training, instructional design, and sports leadership development, integrating cutting-edge techniques to optimize athletic and professional performance.
Currently, I design and implement personalized mental performance programs that improve reaction time, focus, and confidence for each sport and position. I am also actively conducting a post-concussion cognitive skills recovery program for athletes.
Who is the best coach you ever had and why?
The best coach I ever had was one who taught skills and strategies and developed the mindset and confidence necessary for success. They understood that mental toughness, focus, and resilience were just as important as physical ability. This coach took the time to understand each player individually, tailoring their approach to bring out the best in everyone.
What made them exceptional was their ability to motivate and challenge without breaking confidence. They created an environment where mistakes were learning opportunities, not failures. They emphasized preparation, adaptability, and discipline, teaching lessons that applied both on and off the field.
What should athletes and parents know about you?
As an educator, coach, and mentor, here are a few things athletes and parents should know about me:
Experience and Expertise: I have extensive experience in sports, particularly with cognitive skills training for athletes. My background includes college and private coaching at all levels, a strong understanding of sports psychology, and working with athletes to improve their mental and physical performance.
Commitment to Growth: I design tailored programs that integrate the cognitive, physical, and mental aspects of training. Whether helping athletes improve focus, memory, and concentration or understanding the psychological factors affecting their performance, I am dedicated to their development as athletes and individuals.
Holistic Approach: I am passionate about fostering well-rounded athletes by emphasizing physical skills, mental fortitude, resilience, and a strategic mindset. I understand how crucial balance is, including factors like sleep, nutrition, and mental health.
Client-Centered: I create interactive, engaging programs that help athletes strive to reach their fullest potential. My sessions are tailored to each athlete’s needs, and you offer a blend of science-based strategies and hands-on techniques to help them excel.
Advocacy for Education: I focus on educating athletes on their sport and how to navigate the world of sports management, leadership, and career opportunities in the industry. I aim to inspire student-athletes to think long-term, whether that means progressing in their sport or using sports as a springboard for future careers.
Supportive Mentor: I am dedicated to supporting student-athletes and their families by offering personalized advice, guidance, and resources to ensure they reach their full potential in sports and life.
Focus on Mental Health: I recognize the importance of mental health and work to integrate mental performance strategies into their programs. Whether managing stress or recovering from post-concussion, I strive to equip athletes with the tools they need for sustained well-being.
Coaching Background
Summary of Coaching Background
I have extensive experience coaching athletes, focusing on cognitive skills training, sports psychology, holistic athlete and leadership development. I currently serve as a junior college cognitive specialist baseball coach, designing customized training programs to help athletes improve their cognitive abilities, mental resilience, and performance on the field. My approach integrates cognitive assessments and training techniques to enhance focus, memory, concentration, and other mental skills, ensuring athletes perform at their best under pressure.
As a college adjunct sports management instructor, I aim to help athletes improve their sports performance and succeed academically and personally by offering mentorship, guidance, and resources that support long-term growth.
How can you help someone improve their game?
With my background in cognitive skills training, personal training, and sports psychology, I can help athletes improve their game by focusing on mental and physical performance. Here's how:
Mental Skills Development: Use cognitive training exercises to improve focus, decision-making, and reaction time. Teach visualization and mental rehearsal to enhance game preparedness and reduce anxiety under pressure.
Confidence and Motivation: Foster a growth mindset, encouraging athletes to learn from mistakes and stay positive. Set SMART goals to keep them motivated and on track.
Personalized Training Programs: Drills are tailored to the athlete's position and needs, integrating cognitive exercises with physical skills training to improve coordination and game performance.
Game Awareness and Strategy: Help athletes improve their game intelligence by reviewing films, teaching them how to read opponents, and helping them make quick decisions under pressure.
Holistic Athlete Development: Address mental health, sleep, and nutrition to ensure athletes are balanced and perform at their best on and off the field.
By combining my mental performance and physical training expertise, I can help athletes become more focused, confident, and effective in their game.
What does a typical training session look like?
A typical virtual training session with me is engaging and interactive, blending components for optimal performance. Here's a streamlined breakdown:
1. Mental Warm-Up and Discussion
2. Cognitive Skills Training
3. Position-Specific Cognitive Skills Training
4. Scenario-Based Drills
5. Feedback Discussion, Process Goals, & Outcome Goals Setting
Sessions are designed to be engaging, interactive, and focused on cognitive and physical growth, making them fun and effective for athletes of all levels.