Book a mindset training team workshop, school assembly or speaking engagement: https://shop.danunow.com/s/appointments

In this episode, Kate McCauley emphasizes the importance of mindset in sports, particularly in preparing athletes for mistakes. She discusses the significance of Athlete Mental Health Week (https://www.instagram.com/athletesforhope/ ) and how mental training is essential not only for athletes but also for coaches. The conversation highlights the need for a supportive environment that fosters resilience and emotional regulation, ultimately leading to better performance and healthier athletes.

Takeaways

If you're waiting until an athlete makes a mistake to talk about mindset, you're already too late.
Athlete Mental Health Week is a nationwide movement to change sports culture.
Mistakes are guaranteed; preparation is key.
Mindset coaching is about preparation, not damage control.
Athletes should visualize mistakes and how to respond calmly.
Coaches also need mental training to support their athletes.
It takes a village to support an athlete's mental health.
Mental training helps regulate emotions and improve communication under stress.
Prioritizing mental health can lead to better performances and longer careers.
We must make mental health a priority in every sports environment.

Keywords

mindset, athlete mental health, resilience, mistakes, mental toughness, coaching, sports culture, preparation, emotional regulation, performance

Book a mindset training team workshop, school assembly or speaking engagement: https://shop.danunow.com/s/appointments

CONNECT with Kate McCauley:

IG https://www.instagram.com/the.champion_within

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mccauley-danu

Book a Mindset Training Appointment: https://shop.danunow.com

Kate McCauley's website https://www.kate-mccauley.com

Book a mindset training team workshop, school assembly or speaking engagement: https://shop.danunow.com/s/appointments

In this episode of The Champion Within Podcast, host Kate McCauley speaks with Bobbi Caprice, the director of athletics at Penn State Brandywine. They discuss the importance of education for student-athletes, the challenges of choosing the right college, navigating the transfer portal, and the evolution of support for student-athletes, including mental health resources. Bobbi shares insights on what to look for in coaches and the value of involving student-athletes in the hiring process. The conversation emphasizes the balance between athletics and academics, and the aspirations for future success in NCAA competitions.

Takeaways:

Education should always come first for student-athletes. Choosing a college should be based on educational fit, not just athletics. The transfer portal can lead to regret; think carefully before leaving. Mental health resources are essential for student-athletes today. Passion and enthusiasm are crucial traits for coaches. Involving student-athletes in coach selection can provide valuable insights. The landscape of college athletics is evolving positively. Student-athletes face increased pressure to succeed in all areas. Support from local communities is vital for college athletics. Future aspirations include achieving success in NCAA competitions.

CONNECT with Kate McCauley:

IG https://www.instagram.com/the.champion_within

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mccauley-danu

Book a Mindset Training Appointment: https://shop.danunow.com

CONNECT WITH BOBBI CAPRICE

PENN STATE BRANDYWINE ATHLETICS: https://www.psubrandywineathletics.com/

Keywords:

student-athlete, college athletics, mental health, NCAA, transfer portal, coaching, education, Penn State Brandywine, athlete recruitment, sports management

MINDSET MODE private podcast ONLY $7/month click here for visualizations, breathwork and tips! First month is FREE!

In this conversation, Kate McCauley discusses the mental performance challenges athletes face before competitions, emphasizing the importance of regulating nervous energy and creating a calm environment. She provides practical techniques for coaches to help their teams manage anxiety and perform at their best, including guided visualization and breathing exercises. The conversation highlights the significance of mental preparation in sports and the role of coaches in modeling calmness for their athletes.

Takeaways:

The moments before competition are filled with chaos and nervous energy.
Athletes often doubt themselves and feel overwhelmed before performances.
Coaches need to regulate the environment to help athletes focus.
Mental performance techniques should be practiced well before competition day.
Calmness in coaches can influence the team's performance positively.
Guided visualization can help athletes prepare mentally for competition.
Breathing exercises are essential for calming nerves before performances.
Trusting one's training is crucial for athletes during competitions.
Practicing mental techniques regularly can improve performance outcomes.
Coaches should model calmness and provide a supportive environment for their teams.

Chapters

00:00 Preparing for Cheer Nationals and overcoming Negative talk
04:16 Mental Performance: The Key to Success for cheerleaders
07:56 Calming Techniques: Regulating Nerves Before Cheer Performance
10:21 Guided Visualization for Cheer Coaches and athletes: Preparing the Mind for Competition
12:52 Champion Within Outro .mp3

COACHES COPY AND PASTE BELOW: I want you to look at this as an experiment. You don't have to be perfect. We're going to breathe and calm down our body. We're going to inhale through our nose and exhale out through our mouth. Let's start breathing. Big inhale in through our nose and blow all of the air exhaling out through your mouth. Keep doing that inhaling and exhaling as you listen to my voice in through your nose and out through your mouth. If you feel comfortable, you can close your eyes, continuing to breathe. Now I want you to just focus on your feet in your shoes. Your feet on the floor. Keep breathing deep in and breathe it out. Feel that floor beneath you. You are here… right now. The noise around you doesn't matter. Breathe in and out. Nobody gets to decide how you perform…. Not the noise…. Just picture the first count. The noise around you doesn't matter…. Focus on your breath in and out. You get to decide how you perform. You are in control of your body and your mind. I want you to picture the first count sharp and intentional. Picture moving together, not rushed, not hesitant. If something isn't perfect, see the reset immediately and confidently. No panic, no pause, just see it. See the ending. See yourself finishing strong, connected as a team. Say to yourself in your mind: “I am ready. I trust my training. I trust my team.” Breathe that in and out. “I am ready. I trust my training. I trust my team.” …………. “I am ready. I trust my training. I trust my team.” Focus on your breath one more time with a big inhale and exhale. Now open your eyes and LET’S GO!!!!!! Coaches, want you to put this into practice with your team. Let them practice this like a science experiment. Do this at practice. Do this when you're at the hotel. Do this the night before, the morning of. It doesn't take long. Do it on the warm-up mat. Do it when you notice some panic. It is going to make a big difference in the way you show up.