Hi, I’m Jessie!
My role as a mental performance coach is to work collaboratively with athletes to help them develop their own mental toolbox, enabling them to effectively handle challenges and optimize their performance and well-being.
As a former athlete, I truly understand the constant pressures that come with playing sports, and my goal is to provide athletes with essential tools to be successful in all facets of their life, not just in their respective sports. My aim is to equip individuals with skills to cultivate self confidence, manage stress and emotions, and learn to self-regulate.
My Story
During my high school years, I struggled to fully enjoy playing soccer. While I appreciated spending time with my friends and enjoyed the game when I performed well, I lost my passion for the sport as a whole. I loved being part of a team, but the pressure to perform became too much. I consistently played better at practice than in my ECNL games. Additionally, almost all of my teammates committed to Division 1 schools during our sophomore year, so I felt the pressure to do the same.
Fast forward to college, I chose to attend UC Berkeley. I ended up playing club soccer at Cal and this was the best decision I could’ve made. The competitive yet fun atmosphere was contagious because everyone on the team was deeply committed and motivated. We took on the roles of players, coaches, and supporters all at once, which meant our success was directly tied to our effort and dedication.
This experience allowed me to reconnect with my love for soccer, including all the emotions and pressures that came with it. I realized at that moment that because I found my passion for soccer again, the pressure to perform seemed to take a back seat.
All of that to say that as an athlete, there are going to be a ton of ups and downs. But, if you don’t enjoy what you are doing, you are never going to reach your full potential. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that combined my passion for psychology and sports. When I discovered the field of mental performance, I was certain it was the path I wanted to follow.
My Sport Psychology Background
During my graduate career at Cal State Northridge, I studied the association between self-image and performance in collegiate athletes. My research found that the way athletes view themselves has a direct impact on the way they perform. Therefore, it’s imperative athletes build their confidence and self-image in order to be the best version of themselves.
I currently work with Cal State Northridge Division 1 collegiate teams collaborating with CSUN’s Mental Performance Consultant, Dr. Jacob Jensen. Our group sessions focus on building team cohesion, self-confidence interventions, and mindfulness interventions.
I also work with the Northridge Tennis Academy, where I provide 1:1 client-centered sessions to elite junior tennis players. I really enjoy working with youth populations because instilling mental skills early is crucial for integrating them into their game. I believe this work should be fun and an avenue for athletes to test and figure out which mental tools work best for them.
For my personal development and growth, I became a CorePower Yoga Sculpt instructor, where I teach my students the importance of mindfulness by connecting our minds and bodies. Our breath serves as one of our biggest tools for self-regulation and helps guide us through workouts or performances. By stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing this path, I overcame my fear of consistently speaking in front of groups. This journey has made me much more confident in the studio, which has positively impacted my work with teams and individual athletes.
My experience in the field of Sport Psychology has provided me with invaluable knowledge about the significance of the mental side of sports, specifically with youth and collegiate populations. My favorite part of mental performance work is helping and supporting athletes through their challenges and building connections with my clients.
Work With Me
As a mental performance coach, my goal is to help my clients reach their full potential by unlocking their mental power and strength.
If athlete’s are able to control their emotions during a match, then they are able to preserve their energy better which will in turn aid their performance. Learning to stay present and avoid dwelling on past mistakes allows athletes to reset and perform their best in the next play.
Developing mental skills helps you navigate stressors before, during, and after a match, but you have to put in the effort for these tools to be effective. I truly believe dedicating time to developing mental strength is what separates a champion from a finalist.