MEET YOUR MENTAL HEALTH COACH

Samantha James (Sam) believes mental health is just as vital as physical conditioning. Student-athletes juggle training, academics, and personal responsibilities, often facing stress, anxiety, and burnout. Prioritizing mental well-being enhances focus, resilience, and success. Just as they train their bodies, athletes must strengthen their minds to handle pressure and setbacks.

Research links mental health to performance. A British Journal of Sports Medicine study found mindfulness improves concentration, reaction time, and emotional control. The NCAA reports athletes who prioritize mental health have higher confidence, motivation, and performance. Being proactive isn’t weakness—it’s a strategy for success.

Sam is available to talk with you right now about balancing sports, academics and life, developing a strong self-identity beyond sports, handling social media and public pressure, recognizing and addressing burnout, and encouraging you to have open conversations about your mental health.

TALK WITH SAM

Get expert NIL mental health advice and strategies!

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NOT SURE WHAT TO ASK? START WITH:

1. Stress Management

• Coping Strategies: How can I manage stress from academics and sports?
• Time Management: How do I balance my schedule without feeling overwhelmed?
• Breathing Techniques: What relaxation techniques can help with stress?
• Mindfulness Practices: How can mindfulness improve my focus and performance?
• Support Systems: Who should I turn to when I feel overwhelmed?

2. Performance Anxiety

• Pre-Game Nerves: How do I control my anxiety before a big game?
• Mental Preparation: What mental exercises help with game-day confidence?
• Fear of Failure: How can I overcome the fear of making mistakes?
• Self-Talk: How does positive self-talk impact my performance?
• Pressure Management: How do I handle the expectations of coaches, teammates, and fans?

3. Emotional Resilience

• Handling Loss: How can I recover mentally from a tough loss?
• Bouncing Back: What’s the best way to move forward after a bad performance?
• Growth Mindset: How can I turn setbacks into learning experiences?
• Mental Toughness: How do I stay motivated after repeated challenges?
• Coping with Criticism: How should I handle criticism from coaches and fans?

4. Burnout and Fatigue

• Burnout Signs: What are the signs that I’m experiencing burnout?
• Rest and Recovery: How much mental recovery time do I need?
• Balancing Priorities: How do I maintain my passion without feeling exhausted?
• Taking Breaks: When is it okay to take a step back from training?
• Seeking Help: Who should I talk to if I feel mentally drained?

5. Focus and Concentration

• Staying Present: How can I improve my focus during practice and games?
• Avoiding Distractions: What techniques help me stay locked in?
• Visualization: How can visualization improve my game performance?
• Mental Fatigue: What can I do to avoid mental exhaustion during the season?
• Daily Routines: What habits help with long-term concentration?

6. Building Confidence

• Self-Belief: How do I build confidence in my skills?
• Overcoming Doubt: What should I do when I start doubting myself?
• Positive Reinforcement: How does focusing on strengths help my mindset?
• Confidence Slumps: How do I get out of a confidence slump?
• Body Language: How does body language impact my mental game?

7. Social and Personal Life Balance

• Managing Relationships: How do I maintain friendships outside of sports?
• Social Media Stress: How can I handle the pressure of social media?
• Family Expectations: How do I communicate with my family about my stress?
• Social Isolation: What should I do if I feel disconnected from others?
• Fun and Relaxation: How can I enjoy college life without it affecting my sport?

8. Identity Beyond Sports

• Life After Sports: How do I prepare for life after my athletic career?
• Self-Worth: How can I separate my identity from my athletic success?
• Future Planning: What steps should I take to build a career outside of sports?
• Personal Growth: How do I develop skills beyond athletics?
• Passion Discovery: How can I find other passions outside of my sport?

9. Dealing with Injuries Mentally

• Injury Mindset: How do I stay mentally strong while recovering?
• Fear of Re-injury: How do I overcome the fear of getting hurt again?
• Staying Involved: How can I stay connected to my team while injured?
• Patience in Healing: How do I handle the frustration of a long recovery?
• Finding Motivation: How can I stay motivated during rehab?

10. Seeking Professional Help

• When to Seek Help: How do I know if I need to see a mental health professional?
• Therapy Benefits: How can therapy help me as an athlete?
• Talking to Coaches: How do I talk to my coach about my mental health?
• Finding Resources: What mental health resources are available to student-athletes?
• Reducing Stigma: How can I encourage teammates to prioritize mental health?