Student-athletes today face more pressure than ever before. Between competitive sports, academic demands, social media, and high expectations from coaches and families, many young athletes struggle with anxiety, confidence, and fear of mistakes—especially in high-pressure moments.

While physical training is often prioritized, mental skills are just as essential for long-term performance and overall well-being. Helping athletes develop confidence, focus, and emotional resilience can make a meaningful difference both on and off the field.

What Is Athletic Mindset?

Athletic Mindset is a 12-session guided online group designed for student-athletes in grades 6–12. The program focuses on building practical mental skills that athletes can apply in competition, practice, school, and everyday life.

Rather than focusing solely on performance outcomes, Athletic Mindset helps athletes understand how their thoughts, emotions, and reactions influence confidence and consistency. The group setting allows athletes to normalize their experiences while learning tools that support growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

Athletic Mindset is designed to serve as a supplemental support, reinforcing skills athletes may already be developing in individual therapy, coaching, or other support systems.

Common Challenges Student-Athletes Face

Many student-athletes experience:

• Performance anxiety before or during competition
• Loss of confidence after mistakes, losses, or injuries
• Constant comparison to teammates, opponents, or athletes on social media
• Difficulty communicating with coaches or managing external expectations

Without the right tools, these challenges can impact not only athletic performance but also motivation, self-esteem, and overall mental health.

What Athletes Learn in Athletic Mindset

Through guided group sessions, athletes learn how to:

• Build sustainable confidence that isn’t dependent on wins or statistics
• Manage pressure and performance anxiety during games and competitions
• Develop healthier relationships with comparison and social media
• Strengthen communication and trust with coaches and teammates
• Respond more effectively to setbacks, mistakes, and challenges

The focus is on skill-building that supports both athletic performance and long-term personal development.

Who Leads the Program?

Athletic Mindset is led by professionals with both lived and clinical experience in sports and mental health:

• Paul Haynes is a former professional basketball player and coach with extensive experience mentoring youth and student-athletes.
• Matthew Clinton is a licensed therapist specializing in sports performance, anxiety, and mental resilience.

Together, they bring a balanced approach that blends real-world athletic experience with evidence-informed mental health support.

Why Group-Based Support Matters

Group programs like Athletic Mindset offer athletes the opportunity to realize they are not alone in their struggles. Hearing peers talk about similar pressures can reduce shame, increase connection, and promote accountability.

For many athletes, group support complements individual therapy by reinforcing skills, increasing practice opportunities, and building confidence in a supportive environment.

Supporting the Whole Athlete

Athletic success isn’t just about physical ability—it’s also about mindset, emotional regulation, and resilience. When athletes are supported in developing these skills, they’re better equipped to handle pressure, adapt to challenges, and enjoy their sport.

Programs like Athletic Mindset aim to support the whole athlete, helping them grow not just as competitors, but as confident, capable individuals.