For Parents

You already invest in their training. Their mind deserves the same.

A guide to what mental performance coaching actually is, who it's for, and what to expect — written for the parent doing the research, not the athlete doing the sport.

Sound familiar?

Does this sound like your athlete?

None of these mean something is wrong — they're the most common reasons families reach out.

•Nerves before games that don't seem to fade with experience

•Great in practice, but a different athlete once the game starts

•Really hard on themselves after a mistake or a bad outing

•A rough stretch that's chipped away at their confidence

•Goes quiet or shuts down when things aren't going well

•Physically talented and wants an edge, but doesn't know where to start

What to expect

How coaching actually works

Sessions are a conversation, not a lecture — and every plan is built around the Motive Framework.

It's skills, not a pep talk

The first session is mostly listening: what's actually happening in games, what's already been tried, where your athlete feels strongest and where they get stuck. From there, we build a plan around the specific things getting in the way — the same way a hitting coach works on mechanics, I work on the mental side.

Every plan draws on the Motive Framework — five pillars covering focus and composure, identity and recovery, team chemistry, leadership, and long-term thinking.

An honest distinction

Coaching, not therapy

A common and completely fair question — here's the honest answer.

What this is, and what it isn't

I'm not a therapist, and this isn't clinical treatment. It's performance coaching, focused on skills like focus, confidence, composure under pressure, and handling setbacks — the mental side of competing, not a mental health diagnosis.

If I ever see something that looks like it needs more than performance coaching — ongoing anxiety, depression, or anything else outside my scope — I'll always say so directly and point you toward the right kind of support first. Your athlete's wellbeing comes before any session.

Who's coaching

A coach who's actually been there

I'm a former professional pitcher in the Colorado Rockies organization. After years competing at the highest levels of baseball, I went back to school to formalize what I'd learned on the mound — earning a master's degree in sport, exercise, and performance psychology.

I work with athletes at every level, from youth and high school to Olympic and professional — so whatever level your athlete is competing at, this isn't new territory for me.

More about Andrew

FAQ

Questions parents usually ask

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on session length and format — see the Services page for current rates, or reach out with any questions.

Is it virtual or in-person?

Both, depending on what works best for your family — flexible scheduling either way.

How many sessions will my athlete need?

It varies by athlete, but most families notice a shift within the first few sessions. There's no set package to commit to upfront — we figure out the right cadence together.

Will I know what's discussed in sessions?

Sessions are a confidential space for your athlete, the same way a coach-athlete relationship works in any other part of their training — but I'm always glad to talk with parents about general progress and how to support what we're working on at home.

What if my athlete doesn't want to go?

That's a common starting point, not a dealbreaker. Usually one conversation is enough to show it's not a punishment or a sign something's wrong — it's the same kind of training they already do physically, just for the part of the game that doesn't show up in a highlight reel.