Summer Pressure & Performance: Why Young Athletes Need Mental Training as Much as Physical
As a former professional volleyball player, I get it. The summer season is no break for competitive athletes. It means extra reps, college camps, recruiting pressure, and a constant need to "prove yourself" to coaches, scouts, and even parents. I lived it—and now, as a licensed psychotherapist and performance coach, I help athletes learn to perform better by building the muscle that matters most: the mind.
At Ready Set Mindful, I work with young athletes, parents, and elite performers across the DMV, Florida, Washington, and Vermont. And this time of year, I see a lot of the same thing: burnout, anxiety, and performance dips in athletes who love their sport but are mentally and emotionally exhausted.
The Hidden Pressure of Summer Sports
Summer is prime time for:
College recruiting
Showcases and travel teams
Training camps
High-level competition with little rest
For high school and college-bound athletes, this season brings excitement—but also pressure. Without the structure of the school year, many athletes are:
Overtraining without intentional recovery
Feeling increased performance anxiety
Comparing themselves constantly to others
This mental load often leads to:
Trouble sleeping
Emotional blow-ups or withdrawal
Nagging injuries from pushing too hard
Why Mental Coaching Is a Game-Changer
Mental training isn’t just for pros—it’s essential for teen and college athletes, too. It helps them:
Manage nerves before games or showcases
Build confidence that isn’t tied to outcomes
Learn how to recover mentally after a mistake
Stay focused and consistent under pressure
And most importantly, it gives them tools they can use for life, not just sport.
Parents: Here’s What to Watch For
You know your child better than anyone. If they’re:
Dreading practices or tournaments they once loved
Getting overly frustrated with small mistakes
Shutting down after games
Constantly worried about being recruited
…it may be time to bring in a mental health or performance expert.
Why Work With Ready Set Mindful
I bring something different to the table: lived experience. I’ve played at the highest levels, trained year-round, and navigated the pressures of performance culture. Now, I help athletes do it differently—with a foundation of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and science-backed tools to train the brain.
Our sessions are confidential, individualized, and high-impact—tailored for competitive athletes and their unique mental landscape.
Work With Me This Summer
I work with athletes in person (DMV area) and virtually across Florida, Washington, and Vermont. If you're a parent or athlete looking to:
Avoid summer burnout
Improve mental resilience
Gain a competitive edge that lasts
Schedule a free consultation today. Let’s train the mental game together.
Contact: readysetmindful.com
