Julie Shiller, MS, CSCS, CMPC Candidate, who is also pursuing her clinical licensure. She is an AthMindset® Mental Performance Practitioner and sport and performance therapist with Align Bay Area Sport Psychology. A former youth athlete who left sport without the body-confidence and mental-health support she needed, Julie now channels that lived experience into helping athletes and coaches thrive as whole people.
With more than 15 years in coaching and human performance—including extensive work as a strength and conditioning coach—Julie guides growth across the physical, mental, and emotional domains. She is also a trainer for Positive Coaching Alliance and the founder of The Other 23 Hours Coaching, where she supports athletes in the transformational moments that happen outside of practice and competition.
Whether she’s working with youth competitors, collegiate teams, or coaches seeking to build healthy, high-performing environments, Julie brings empathy, evidence-based practice, and a holistic perspective to her work.
Chapters
0:00 — Athlete Mindset & SportsEpreneur
0:17 — Cold open + energy check
1:09 — Welcome & introduction to Julie Shiller
2:00 — Julie’s background: coaching, performance, and lived experience
4:10 — Leaving sport without support & why it matters
6:45 — Athlete identity and body confidence
9:30 — Eating disorder awareness in athletics
12:10 — Why the “other 23 hours” matter most
15:05 — Coaches as culture-setters
18:40 — Starting with the coach before the athlete
22:15 — Building team-wide support systems
26:30 — Youth and collegiate athlete considerations
30:05 — Integrating physical, mental, and emotional performance
34:10 — What healthy sport environments actually look like
38:20 — Advice for coaches and practitioners
41:31 — Closing reflections & appreciation
Information and short-form content on athletes and eating disorders
Go here for resources and education
A note on body confidence: The sense of comfort, acceptance, and positive attitude a person has toward their own body. It’s not just about appearance—it’s about how you feel in your own skin, respecting and appreciating your body’s abilities, and being less influenced by societal pressures or unrealistic ideals.
For athletes, body confidence is particularly important because it affects performance, recovery, and mental health. Athletes with strong body confidence are more likely to trust their bodies, maintain healthy habits, and enjoy their sport without being hindered by anxiety or shame about their appearance.
More content by SportsEpreneur on athlete mental health:
Why players are taking control of their health | The pressure placed on college athletes | Teaching resilience in youth sports
Connect with Julie Shiller:
Connect with the host & podcast production team:
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of SportsEpreneur
Produced by KazCM and also featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
If you or someone you know is struggling
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, please reach out for support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
International resources: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
You’re not alone, and support is available.
In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down again with Dr. Kweku Amoasi, PsyD, CMPC — licensed psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, USOPC psychological services provider, and Chief Wellness Officer for Blaquesmith Consulting.
This conversation explores the rising mental health challenges athletes face: suicide prevention, stigma, high-pressure environments, financial realities tied to NIL, and what it actually takes to support athletes across college and pro sports. Dr. Amoasi also reflects on his keynote at the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports Annual Conference and the powerful role social workers play across the sport ecosystem.
Lisa brings her dual lens as a clinical social worker and Certified Mental Performance Consultant® — as well as her identity as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the author of The AthMindset® Workbook: Training Your Mind for Optimal Mental Health in Sport and in Life. Dr. Amoasi brings the energy and brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Both Lisa and Dr. Amoasi are proud members of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Their ongoing dialogue centers on serving the whole athlete — and supporting the caregivers who support them.
Episode Chapters
0:00 — SportsEpreneur & Athlete Mindset
1:22 — Welcome + why this part two matters
1:33 — Dr. Amoasi’s background & roles
2:35 — Fraternity pride + community as healthy grounding
3:18 — Athletes as “superhuman” & stigma of vulnerability
4:50 — Why athletes choose silence
6:52 — Medication vs self-medication in sport
8:22 — “Mental spotters” + invisible weight
9:24 — What parents and coaches can do early
10:14 — Mental Health First Aid in athletic settings
11:40 — Early intervention & normalizing tough conversations
12:33 — The evolution of sport psychology (NBA, NCAA, USOPC)
14:55 — Embedded counseling vs traditional campus services
16:30 — Psychology becoming as normal as the training room
17:49 — NIL pressures: identity, development, time, money
18:54 — The “three things” rule for college athletes
20:03 — NIL reshaping college sports entirely
22:04 — Brain development + responsibility overload
23:06 — Stress → risk behaviors
24:17 — Reflections on the Alliance for Social Workers in Sport keynote
26:26 — Why social workers are essential in sport
29:28 — Multidisciplinary care in the athlete ecosystem
31:04 — Loving the whole athlete
33:02 — Advice to emerging sport psych + social work professionals
35:47 — Ethics, boundaries, & trusted circles
37:39 — Parallel process for clinicians supporting high-visibility athletes
38:51 — Why every layer of the system needs support
39:56 — Closing appreciation + reflections
Episode Topics
Featured Links
Connect with Dr. Kweku Amoasi
Connect with the host & podcast production team:
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
If you or someone you know is struggling
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, please reach out for support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
International resources: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
You’re not alone, and support is available.
In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we feature an appearance Lisa made on The Sports Backdrop podcast to discuss the mental health dynamics of youth sports, focusing on the pressures young athletes face. The Q&A style discussion includes how coaches can manage different levels of emotions among their players and the critical role of parental behavior in youth sports. This episode, "The Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth Sports," also touches on the growing trend of specialization in youth sports and the importance of teaching athletes to control the controllable.
"The Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth Sports" Topics:
Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the host & podcast production team:
Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram
Related content:
Youth Sports Mental Health | Parents, Coaches, and Resilience
Mississippi State University + Dr. James Barnes | Education, Youth Sports, and Marketing Insight
Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
In this special panel episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, is joined by four standout basketball players—Lucas Williamson, Maya Chandler, Aher Uguak, and Anaya Peoples—for a raw and thoughtful conversation in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Together, they explore the emotional weight of elite competition, personal setbacks, and the human side of sport. From dealing with pressure and injuries to navigating identity, criticism, and support systems, each athlete opens up about what mental wellness really looks like at the college and professional levels—on and off the court.
Key Takeaways from “Beyond the Game: Mental Health in Elite Hoops”
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
Related episodes to “Beyond The Game: Mental Health in Elite Hoops”:
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with professional boxer Chris Billam-Smith. Known as "The Gentleman," Chris shares the mindset that’s guided his rise from late-blooming amateur to world champion. He opens up about the power of consistency, the role of family in grounding his identity, and how he mentally prepares for the demands of the ring. Chris also discusses the importance of breathwork, emotional regulation, and the inner shift that happens when the gloves go on. Through it all, he reflects on being more than an athlete — striving to grow as a husband, father, and person.
Key Takeaways from “Chris Billam-Smith | Consistency, Character, and the Champion’s Mindset”
More about Chris Billam-Smith:
Chris Billam-Smith, also known as ‘The Gentlemen’, made his professional debut in 2017 under the tutelage of Shane McGuigan. Raised on the sunny shores of Bournemouth, the Commonwealth, British, European and former WBO world Cruiserweight Champion stands with a professional record of 20 wins, and 2 losses (13KO’s). Chris got to live out his fairytale story of becoming world champion at the AFCB vitality stadium, home to his beloved cherries in May 2023 fighting in front of all his friends and family. He dedicated his win to his mum who was suffering with Cancer at the time, as well as how wife Mia. Ambassador to the Dorset Children’s Foundation and as a supporter of the Bournemouth foodbank, Chris has just come away with a win on the huge Eubank vs Benn card, fighting at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. He now looks to become 2X world champ.
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
Related episodes to “Chris Billam-Smith | Consistency, Character, and the Champion’s Mindset”:
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In this episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC sits down with Lucas Williamson, a professional basketball player in the NBA G League. Lucas shares his challenging journey through two season-ending injuries, discussing the mental and emotional toll they’ve taken and how he’s worked to find joy amidst adversity. From journaling and therapy to leaning on his faith and community, Lucas offers valuable insights into maintaining mental health and resilience. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability, gratitude, and connection in navigating life’s toughest moments.
Lucas also opens up about his spiritual journey, including his decision to fast during Ramadan to reconnect with God, and how his faith has been a cornerstone in his recovery process. This episode is a must-listen for athletes and anyone facing setbacks, offering practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom for overcoming challenges and rediscovering purpose.
Key Takeaways from "Overcoming Adversity: Lucas Williamson’s Journey Through Injury and Faith"
More about Lucas Williamson:
Lucas Williamson is a professional basketball player currently competing in the NBA G League. Before turning pro, he attended Loyola University Chicago where he was a member of Loyola’s legendary runs, including a sweet 16 and a final four. He was also named 2x defensive player of the year and won tournament MVP in his final season at loyola. Unfortunately his pro career is off to a rocky start as he’s suffered 2 season ending injuries in his 3 year pro career. As he continues to get healthy to return to basketball he has been sharing his experience and trying to find the joy in his own personal journey in hopes to relate and inspire other athletes that may go through similar experiences.
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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In this episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC welcomes Mariah Mazon, a professional softball player and aspiring sports psychology professional. Mariah shares her journey from a youth softball player in Tulare, California, to a standout two-way star at Oregon State, and now a pro with Athletes Unlimited. She opens up about navigating major adversities, including the COVID-19 season disruption and a hamstring injury during her senior year, and how she leaned on family, physical activity, and mental strategies like meditation and focal cues to stay grounded. Mariah also discusses the unique challenges of transitioning to professional softball, from the pressure of the Athletes Unlimited point system to managing media and fan interactions. Her insights into mental preparation and her vision to create a holistic training facility for young athletes make this a must-listen for athletes and coaches alike.
As she pursues her master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology, Mariah reflects on how her experiences with a sports psychologist shaped her approach to coaching and mental resilience. This episode offers practical tools and inspiration for young athletes navigating transitions and building mental toughness.
Key Takeaways from "From Adversity to Aspiration: Mariah Mazon’s Softball Journey and Mental Game"
More about Mariah Mazon:
Mariah Mazon is a Tulare, California, native and standout softball player, best known for her dominant two-way career at Oregon State as both a pitcher and hitter. After college, she went pro with Athletes Unlimited Softball League, represented Team USA internationally, and played overseas in Japan with the Toda Medics. She later transitioned into coaching, with stops at Holy Names University and the Academy of Art University. Mariah is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology at California State University, Fresno.
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. In this raw and heartfelt episode, Lisa sits down with Marcus Smith II, a former NFL first-round draft pick turned mental health advocate, life coach, and Global Ambassador for All Points North (APN). Marcus shares his journey from anxiety attacks at age eight to a near-fatal moment during his NFL career, revealing how therapy and APN transformed his life. Together, they explore the stigma black men face in addressing mental health, the power of vulnerability, and Marcus’s work with Circle of M to support athletes and youth. Lisa opens up about her own postpartum panic attacks, creating a powerful exchange of lived experiences.
Key Takeaways from "Unmasking Mental Health with Marcus Smith"
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. In this episode, Lisa sits down with Courtney Messina, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, a former Ole Miss soccer athlete, and Senior Director for Outpatient Clinical Operations at All Points North (APN). Courtney shares insights from her work with elite athletes, including her role at APN’s Elite Athletes Program and as a visiting therapist at TCU. They explore why athletes seek therapy—sports injuries, identity struggles, mental performance, and more—while unpacking the unique challenges of transitioning out of sport. From practical tips like prioritizing sleep to society’s need to destigmatize mental health, this coffee-chat-style conversation offers hope and actionable insights.
Key Takeaways from "Mental Health Realities for Elite Athletes with Courtney Messina"
More about Courtney Messina:
Courtney Messina, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, is the Senior Director for Outpatient Clinical Operations at All Points North, leveraging extensive experience in clinical leadership and behavioral health services.
After earning a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Mississippi and a master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler, Courtney has had the opportunity to work in various settings including community mental health, corrections and inpatient and outpatient facilities treating clients with co-occurring disorders.
Beyond her pursuits at All Points North and as a former Division I athlete at Ole Miss, Courtney is very passionate about working with the Athlete population. She is a visiting senior therapist for the Athletics Department at Texas Christian University and is listed in The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry.
Courtney has been featured in several media outlets, including Treatment Magazine, the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network, The Dallas Morning News, and Genesis the Podcast.
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
Related episodes to “Mental Health Realities for Elite Athletes with Courtney Messina”:
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Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. This is the third installment of our three-part series with The True Athlete Project. Lisa is joined by Reem Abdalazem, a two-time Olympian in artistic swimming for Egypt (2008 Beijing and 2012 London). Reem is a World Aquatics-certified expert coach and a former collegiate All-American at Lindenwood University, where she captained the team to its first national championship. With over a decade of coaching experience, Reem has led teams to consecutive titles, coached the U.S. Senior National Team and South Africa’s duet to the Tokyo Olympics, and earned the first international Coach of the Year award in the USA. In this episode, Reem shares her journey from athlete to coach, her coaching philosophy of "impact over titles," and how she fosters mental well-being and resilience in athletes across cultures.
Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Coaching with Impact and Mindfulness with Reem Abdalazem”
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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Welcome the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. This is part two of our three-part series with The True Athlete Project. Lisa chats with Sam Parfitt, the CEO and founder of The True Athlete Project. Sam is a former NCAA Division I tennis player, a coach, and a mindfulness teacher. He holds a Master’s in Science in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development from the University of Edinburgh
In this episode, Sam shares his story of loving tennis as a kid, only to see it turn cold and destructive. This inspired him to use mindfulness to improve performance, support mental health, and build a kinder sports culture. He also discusses techniques like mindful walking and body scans that his organization uses to help athletes.
Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Building a Compassionate World Through Sport with Sam Parfitt”
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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In this episode of the Athlete Mindset Podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, speaks with Oz Marginean, former NCAA D1 athlete, professional basketball player, and Head of Community at The True Athlete Project. They discuss the complexities of athlete identity, transitioning out of sport, and the power of mindfulness, playful movement, and creativity in athletic development. As part of the True Athlete Project Series, Oz shares her journey of overcoming performance anxiety, finding purpose beyond basketball, and redefining success and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Embracing Identity and Purpose with Oz Marginean”
For more on Oz Marginean and The True Athlete Project, visit: thetrueathleteproject.org
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with Brady Howe, an applied performance coach, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Director of Sport Medicine at Grand Canyon University. Brady brings a wealth of knowledge from over a decade in the NBA, including his role as Vice President of Health and Performance for the Phoenix Suns. They dive into his unique approach to athlete care, the integration of mental performance, and the evolving importance of mental health in sports.
Key Takeaways from “Brady Howe | Integrating Mental Performance in Sports Medicine”
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with NFL veteran Dominique Easley. They discuss his journey from growing up in the projects of New York to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick, a Super Bowl champion, and eventually creating The Easley Foundation to support student-athletes in underserved and vulnerable populations. Dominique opens up about battling injuries, navigating opioid use, shifting his identity beyond football, and finding purpose in helping others.
Key Takeaways from “Dominique Easley | NFL Veteran Championing Student-Athletes in Underserved Communities”
For more on Dominique and The Easley Foundation, visit: www.easleyfoundation.org
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with Dr. Kweku Akyireefi Amoasi, Chief Wellness Officer for Blaquesmith Psychological Consultation and psychological services provider for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Dr. Amoasi shares his professional journey from working in correctional facilities to becoming a sports psychologist for the Milwaukee Bucks and Team USA at the Olympics. They discuss the intersection of mental health and performance, navigating ethical dilemmas in sports psychology, and the importance of self-care for athletes and practitioners. This conversation provides powerful insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of mental health in the sports world.
Key Takeaways from "Inside the Minds of Team USA with Dr. Kweku Amoasi, Sport Psychologist"
Resources Mentioned in "Inside the Minds of Team USA with Dr. Kweku Amoasi, Sport Psychologist"
Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being for athletes, teams, and coaches. Together, they explore the power of resilience, leadership, and culture change in sports psychology, and discuss how mental health and performance are interwoven in today’s sports landscape.
Dr. Gunter highlights how the NBA & WNBA Mind Health program is working to shift the conversation around mental health from stigmatization to normalization, ensuring that athletes are supported holistically on and off the court. She also shares insights into injury recovery, mental resilience, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of well-being within teams.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Kensa Gunter:
Resources Mentioned:
Credits:
Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.
Support the Athlete Mindset Community
Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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In this powerful episode of Athlete Mindset, "Who You Are, Not What You Do," host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Kelsey O'Connor, a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent North Carolina State University social work graduate. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery following a career-ending head injury. Her story of overcoming adversity and redefining her identity resonated with millions when her commencement speech went viral, amassing over 40 million views across TikTok and many social media platforms.
This is the Athlete Mindset podcast, which explores mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network.
'Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor' Highlights:
About Kelsey O'Connor: Kelsey O'Connor is a motivational speaker and recent social work graduate from North Carolina State University. After recovering from a head injury that ended her D1 softball career, Kelsey found a new purpose in sharing her story and perspective with others. Her commencement speech, which went viral with over 40 million views, touched on themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. Kelsey now travels the country, speaking to organizations and teams about building confidence, developing a strong identity, and improving team culture.
Kelsey's mission: To help individuals and teams boost confidence, build strong identities, and improve team culture by sharing her unique perspective on identity and resilience. Through her talks, Kelsey aims to remind people that their worth is not defined by their achievements or titles, but by the qualities that truly matter.
Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
https://sportsepreneur.com/
Athlete Mindset is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
https://quietloudstudios.com/
Athlete Mindset is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
https://kazcm.com/
Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Angela Lee Pucci, a retired professional MMA fighter, six-time MMA world champion, and founder of Fight Story. Angela opens up about her journey from the world of combat sports to becoming a mental health advocate. She shares her personal experiences with suicide, including her own attempt in 2017 and the loss of her sister, Victoria, by suicide in 2022. The conversation explores the pressures of professional fighting, the importance of mental health awareness in combat sports, and how Fight Story aims to revolutionize the industry by providing support and resources for fighters' mental and physical well-being.
This is the Athlete Mindset podcast, which is about mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network.
"Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution" Highlights:
Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
https://sportsepreneur.com/
Athlete Mindset is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
https://quietloudstudios.com/
Athlete Mindset is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
https://kazcm.com/
About Angela Lee Pucci and Fight Story:
Fight Story is a platform where fighters unite to revolutionize combat sports, inspire hope, and champion a global movement for mental and physical wellness.
Fight Story vision: Our goal is to create a community that empowers one another to embrace the journey. We are starting the conversation. By sharing real stories of overcoming mental health struggles, we shine the light on a topic kept in the dark, and we break down the stigma surrounding mental health. We are here to pioneer the way for athlete guidance, support, advocacy, connection, education, and wellness in combat sports. Join us in the fight for a better, kinder, and more loving world.
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Grace Ahrens, the executive director of Women in Soccer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting women and underrepresented individuals in soccer. Grace shares her multicultural background, her journey into social work, and how she found her way to Women in Soccer. The conversation explores the importance of mental health in sports and the growing soccer landscape in the United States.
This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. It is all about mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network.
Memorable Quote: “Soccer transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, serving not just as a sport but as a powerful medium for social change and community building.” - Grace Ahrens
"Grace Ahrens | Empowering Women in Soccer" Highlights:
Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
About Grace Ahrens and Women in Soccer:
Grace Ahrens recently joined Women in Soccer (WIS) as the Executive Director, bringing her passion for building inclusive communities and her background in social work to the organization. With her previous experience as the GM of NYC Footy, the largest coed adult recreational soccer league in New York City, Grace is well-positioned to lead WIS in its mission to empower women and marginalized individuals in the soccer world.
Women in Soccer, founded in late 2020, is a national network that connects women and underrepresented individuals who love soccer. The organization's mission is to increase agency and representation for these groups within the beautiful game through community building. WIS welcomes people of all mind/body types, sexual orientations, gender identities, races, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities, including allies.
The idea for WIS was born from the experiences of co-founder Courtney Carroll Levinsohn and founding member Tracy Hamm, who recognized the need for a support network for those facing barriers in the male-dominated soccer industry. The organization gained momentum following the U.S. women's national team's 2019 World Cup victory and their subsequent fight for equal pay and inclusion.
WIS values inclusion, passion, action, and grit. The organization provides a free platform for its members to connect, access resources, and find job opportunities in soccer. With over 4,600 members nationally, WIS is rapidly growing and evolving to meet the needs of the changing soccer landscape in the United States.
As Executive Director, Grace Ahrens is excited about the future of women's soccer and is committed to making the industry more equitable and inclusive. Her leadership at WIS aligns perfectly with her background in social work and her dedication to creating progressive communities within the sport.
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with soccer legend Brandi Chastain to explore her journey from youth soccer to international stardom. Brandi discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her famous penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, overcoming injuries, and the impact of mentorship and leadership. They also discuss the importance of resilience, celebrating successes, and the evolving role of mental health in sports. Brandi shares valuable insights for young athletes and parents, emphasizing the significance of support, hard work, and self-belief.
"Find Your Yes!"
"Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader" Topics:
Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community
By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!
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