Unleash the Athlete Coaches

James Leath is a mental performance coach committed to enhancing leadership skills and mental resilience in athletes and other high-performing individuals. His career spans over two decades, during which he has actively supported teams and individuals across the United States. As the founder of Unleash the Athlete, Leath utilizes interactive activities, team-building exercises, and research-based lectures to offer memorable learning experiences for performers of all ages. These experiences are designed to serve as anchors that help individuals achieve their personal best.

Leath's expertise extends to being a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, sharing knowledge on leadership, character, and mental resilience. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in communication and a master's in Performance Psychology. Leath's 20+ year coaching journey has seen him work with elite performers in diverse fields such as sports, theater, and business, emphasizing the universal applicability of his coaching strategies.

Angela Wilson is a seasoned mental performance coach with over ten years of experience and a rich background in collegiate soccer. Her athletic journey began on the soccer field, where she developed a keen interest in the psychological aspects of sports. This interest led her to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a Master's in Sport Psychology. Her academic achievements gave her a profound understanding of human interactions and the mental dynamics of high-level athletic competition.

As a mental performance coach, Angela has dedicated herself to empowering athletes to overcome mental barriers and achieve their highest potential. Her approach blends practical strategies with motivational techniques, focusing on building confidence, enhancing focus, and fostering effective team communication. More than just a coach, Angela is a mentor who creates a supportive and understanding environment for her athletes. Her commitment to their growth extends beyond performance enhancement, emphasizing continuous personal and athletic development.

Will Drumright is a Mental Conditioning Coach based in Indianapolis, IN, with a background in sports psychology. His career includes roles as the Director of Mental Conditioning for InFocus Sports Training and a tenure at IMG Academy as a Leadership Development Coach. Will's expertise extends beyond the athletic field to the corporate world, where he applies his knowledge of mental toughness and leadership development in interactive lectures and workshops. Since 2011, Will has been instrumental in enhancing the mental skills of various clients, ranging from youth sports organizations and Division I athletes to NFL players, showcasing his versatility and impact in the realm of mental conditioning.

Educationally, Will attained a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Ball State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his practical approach. Apart from his professional achievements, Will is the former head coach for the Indianapolis AlleyCats team. His dedication to sports continues as he trains as an amateur boxer, embodying the principles of discipline and mental strength he teaches.

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Mental Toughness Mastery: A 21-Session Guide for Athletes (self-paced course)

$11.00

One time

"Mental Toughness Mastery: A 21-Session Guide for Athletes" is an empowering guidebook for athletes aiming to optimize their performance through psychological strategies. The digital course offers a comprehensive, 21-session program designed to instill unwavering mental resilience in athletes, helping them perform consistently at their peak, overcome challenges, and outperform their competitors.

✓ Downloadable Workbook

✓ Unlimited lifetime access

✓ Recomended Reading List for Athletes

communication

Dec 18, 2023

The Art of Effective Communication in Coaching

Great communication in coaching is about creating an environment where your athletes feel they can speak up, where their opinions are valued, and where everyone is working together towards a common goal. It's in these environments that athletes truly flourish, where performance soars and strong, cohesive teams are built.

confidence, injuries, gymnastics

Oct 12, 2023

Rebuilding Confidence Post-Injury

In the end, it’s all about taking that leap of faith, both metaphorically and literally in the case of a gymnast. The road to recovery is as much about healing the mind as it is about healing the body. It’s not about the setback; it’s about the comeback! With the right approach, your gymnast will not only return to the mat but will fly higher than ever before.

self-talk, Emotional Control

Sep 28, 2023

Self-Talk Conversation

In this article, we'll dive into the world of self-talk in high school volleyball. We'll explore why it's essential, the impact it has on performance, and provide practical tips for coaches to empower their players with this invaluable mental skill. So, get ready to discover how we can elevate our young athletes' game through the power of self-talk.

parenting, mentaltoughness

Jul 27, 2023

Mental Toughness for Young Athletes

In pursuing mental toughness, young athletes inevitably encounter various challenges that can impede their growth and development. This chapter is dedicated to exploring these obstacles and equipping both parents and young athletes with effective strategies to overcome them. As we delve into these common hurdles, we aim to empower young athletes to build a strong foundation of mental resilience, allowing them to excel in their sports journey and beyond. By fostering an environment of support, understanding, and open communication, parents play a vital role in guiding their children through these challenges, helping them develop the mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks and thrive in the face of adversity.

gender specific

Jul 18, 2023

You Hit Like a Girl

A great myth in America is that sports build character. This is false. The late Billy Graham once said, “A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime.” Just a reminder that the student-athletes are always watching. Your words will echo in their minds for the rest of their lives. Your echoes can be a blessing or a curse. You decide.

Developing Mental Strength and Resilience in Youth Athletes

empowered coach

Jun 2, 2023

Developing Mental Strength and Resilience in Youth Athletes

Athletes develop mental toughness when provided the necessary support and resources to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance between sports and other aspects of their lives. You can encourage athletes to practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, visualization, and deep breathing exercises.

mentaltoughness, activity

Jun 1, 2023

Mental Toughness Training Examples

This training involves working with a sports psychologist or mental toughness coach to develop strategies for improving mental toughness. The training may include deep breathing, positive self-talk, and meditation.

empowered coach, activity

Sample Visualization Exercises

Visualization Exercises (examples): These exercises involve athletes picturing themselves performing well in a competition. Visualization exercises help athletes develop mental toughness by building confidence and reducing anxiety.

athlete development

Sample Competitive Drills

Competitive Drills: These drills pit athletes against each other in a competitive environment, where they must fight to win. For example, a soccer coach might set up a scrimmage where the athletes must compete against each other to score goals.

athlete development, activity

Sample Decision-Making Drills

These drills simulate game-like situations where athletes must make quick decisions under pressure. For example, a basketball coach might set up a drill where the athlete has to make a split-second decision on whether to shoot or pass the ball.

Sample Endurance Drills

Endurance Drills: These drills are designed to challenge an athlete's physical and mental endurance by pushing them to their limits. Examples include running intervals, swimming laps, or high-intensity cycling for extended periods.

youth sports

May 30, 2023

Empowering Young Athletes

Remember, as a youth sports coach, your goal isn't to create professional athletes but to instill a love for the game, nurture a healthy lifestyle, and teach valuable life skills. Approach your role with enthusiasm, patience, and understanding, and you'll significantly impact your young athletes' lives.

May 25, 2023

Beyond Talent: The Crucial Role of Character in Athlete Recruitment

Recruiters consider an athlete's on-field talent and off-field behavior, personal conduct, and compatibility with team culture. The article serves as a valuable guide for aspiring high school athletes, stressing the need for integrity, discipline, and positive interactions as pivotal aspects of their athletic journey and, ultimately, their recruitment potential.

May 12, 2023

Emphasizing the Importance of Failure

Remember, as coaches, we serve as the master storytellers of our athletes' experiences. We help them weave their tales of struggle, triumph, trials, and resilience. We encourage them to see the beauty in each chapter of their story, reminding them that it's through the difficult pages that the most profound growth occurs.

May 4, 2023

Game On: Crafting Engaging Practices for Youth Athletes to Maximize Fun and Learning

As a coach, it is essential to structure practices to maximize engagement and learning for your young athletes. By creating a positive and stimulating environment, you can help your athletes develop the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills necessary for success both on and off the field.

Creating a Positive Team Culture: Defining, Reinforcing, and Celebrating Team Values

Values, culture

Apr 25, 2023

Creating a Positive Team Culture: Defining, Reinforcing, and Celebrating Team Values

By recognizing and rewarding athletes who embody the team's values, coaches can create a positive team culture where athletes are motivated to uphold the values and support one another. This recognition also reinforces to athletes that their behavior and actions have an impact on the team's success and encourages them to continue to strive towards embodying the team's values. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding athletes who uphold the team's values can foster a sense of pride and ownership in the team's culture, leading to increased commitment and dedication from the athletes.

Feb 22, 2023

How Athletes Can Use the Power of Breath to Improve Performance

Breathwork is a powerful tool athletes can use to improve their performance on the sidelines. By practicing simple breathing techniques, athletes can increase endurance, recover more quickly, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. Whether you are a professional athlete or just looking to improve your performance in your favorite sport, breathwork is a simple and effective way to gain an edge.

Feb 13, 2023

Activity: Monster Draw

Monster Draw is a fun and engaging activity for participants to practice their communication skills and creativity. In this activity, two participants sit back to back, one describing a cartoon monster while the other draws it. This activity teaches the importance of clear communication and how it can affect the outcome of a task. Includes lesson plan.

Unleash the Athlete Coaches

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