Build leadership skills like communication, confidence, and teamwork to inspire others, thrive under pressure, and lead on and off the field with coaching grounded in sports psychology strategies.
I'm Coach Ashley!
Mental Game Coach for Youth and College Athletes
I Use Evidence-Based Sports Psychology Strategies to Develop Mentally Tough, Confident Competitors
I Use Sports Psychology Principles to Coach the Mental Game
As a parent, you can sense when your youth or college athlete is stuck mentally. They’re training hard but somehow still have low self-confidence, they hang on to mistakes, and pressure creates anxiety to perform.
This isn’t a lack of effort or ability. It’s a mental pattern that hasn’t been retrained yet.
As a mental game coach for athletes, I utilize proven sports psychology principles, mental skills and habits, and performance routines to help youth and college athletes rewire their thinking under pressure. Through consistent routines before, during, and after competition, athletes develop automatic thoughts that support confidence, focus, and calm decision-making, all without overthinking.
Mental game coaching isn’t about forcing positive thinking or pushing through frustration. It’s about building repeatable habits that make confidence and composure the norm, even in high-pressure moments.
I Teach Youth and College Athletes Mental Skills That Create Confidence You Can Trust
Build confidence intentionally through daily mental habits and performance routines, instead of hoping confidence shows up on game day
Reset quickly after mistakes, so one moment doesn’t derail an entire game or meet
Use simple pre-game, in-game, and post-game routines to stay calm, focused, and consistent under pressure
Develop real mental toughness, allowing them to stay steady even when competition feels chaotic or emotional
Train their mindset like a skill, guided by structure and repetition, not motivation or guesswork
Rebuild trust in themselves, so youth and college athletes can compete with confidence, freedom, and belief
About Me
M.S. Sport Psychology
M.Ed. School Counseling
National Certified Counselor
Former athlete turned Mental Performance Coach who helps athletes master the mindset skills they were never taught. I blend years of coaching at the youth, high school, club and college levels, with sports psychology strategies, and real-world experience working with athletes who struggle with confidence, pressure, overthinking, and performance anxiety.
Mental game coaching is based on building rapport, gaining trust, and providing simple and effective mindset skills and strategies to athletes while holding them accountable to improving their mental game. My passion is helping athletes feel good about themselves, enjoy competing, and have the tools and strategies to be a true competitor.
Proven Sports Psychology Tactics and Mindset Skills to Strengthen Your Mental Game
Accordion Content
Build lasting mental toughness with proven strategies, tools, and guidance to turn setbacks into growth, stay focused under pressure, and perform with confidence in sports and life.
Learn to manage pre-competition anxiety, build confidence, and stay focused with proven mental strategies—so you can perform at your best, enjoy competing, and unlock your full potential.
Learn to turn adversity into growth with mental training that builds resilience, confidence, and motivation—so you stay strong, focused, and positive no matter the challenge.
Master emotional control to stay focused, confident, and composed under pressure. Learn to channel emotions into fuel for growth and elevate your performance with proven mental training strategies.
Unlock peak performance with personalized routines that boost focus, reduce anxiety, and build consistency. Learn proven strategies to create structure, build confidence, and compete with clarity and purpose.
Sports Psychology Strategies Used in Coaching Sessions
For athletes, the mental game isn’t just optional — it’s a requirement. The athletes who rise aren’t just the most talented. They’re the ones who can stay composed under pressure, reset fast after mistakes, block out distractions, and trust their preparation when it counts. That level of mental toughness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional mental skills training, and without it, even the most physically prepared athletes hit walls they can’t break through. A strong mindset is the foundation of consistent, confident performance.
Visualization
Visualization is a powerful mental game strategy rooted in sports psychology, used by elite athletes to sharpen focus, boost confidence, and mentally rehearse success. By guiding athletes through targeted imagery exercises, we strengthen their mental game, helping them prepare for high-pressure moments, improve consistency, and bounce back faster from setbacks. When athletes see it, they start to believe it—and then they achieve it.
Goal Setting
Effective goal setting is a key mental game skill grounded in sports psychology, giving athletes direction, purpose, and a clear path forward. We go beyond vague goals by teaching how to set specific, actionable targets that build confidence and momentum. Whether it’s overcoming a slump, improving performance, or reaching the next level, goal setting strengthens the mental game and keeps athletes focused and accountable—one step at a time.
Positive Self-Talk
An athlete’s inner voice is a critical part of their mental game—it can be their greatest weapon or their biggest obstacle. Using principles from sports psychology and mindset training, we teach athletes how to use positive self-talk to reframe negativity, quiet self-doubt, and speak with the confidence of a top performer. This mental skill sharpens focus, strengthens emotional control, and reinforces belief under pressure—especially in high-stakes moments when it matters most.
Intentional Training
Intentional training is a key part of building a strong mental game. Grounded in sports psychology and mindset training, it helps athletes focus on what matters most—mental skills, habits, and effort. Instead of going through the motions, athletes learn to approach each practice and performance with clarity, structure, and mental focus. This approach strengthens routines, accelerates growth, and leads to more consistent performance under pressure. When athletes train with intention, confidence and results follow.
Mindfulness & Breathing
Mindfulness and breathing techniques are essential mental skills taught through sports psychology and mindset training. They help athletes strengthen their mental game by learning how to slow down, reset, and refocus—especially under pressure. These tools improve emotional control, reduce anxiety, and sharpen focus, allowing athletes to respond—not react—when it matters most. With consistent practice, athletes become more present, composed, and mentally tough in both competition and everyday life.
Leadership
Great athletes don’t just perform—they lead. Leadership and communication are key mental skills developed through sports psychology and mindset training. By strengthening their mental game, athletes learn how to speak up, support teammates, and lead by example. These skills build trust, sharpen decision-making, and boost confidence on and off the field. Whether or not they wear the captain’s band, every athlete can lead with clarity, purpose, and presence.
Simple Focus
Distractions, pressure, and overthinking can disrupt even the most talented athletes—but focus is a mental skill that can be trained. Through mindset training and sports psychology strategies, athletes learn how to sharpen their mental game by staying present and focused in any situation. Whether it's during practice, competition, or high-stress moments, focus training helps athletes tune out noise and lock in on what they can control—leading to greater clarity, consistency, and confidence when it matters most.
Performance Routines
Performance routines are a foundational mental skill in sports psychology and mindset training. They help athletes strengthen their mental game by feeling prepared, focused, and in control before practices, competitions, or high-pressure moments. By building personalized pre-performance habits, athletes reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and create consistency in how they show up. These routines turn chaos into structure and allow athletes to perform at their best—no matter the situation.
Emotional Control
Big moments bring big emotions—but managing them is a crucial part of the mental game. Through emotional regulation training rooted in sports psychology and mindset development, athletes build the mental skills to stay composed, bounce back quickly, and respond—not react—under pressure. Whether it’s frustration, nerves, or fear, learning to master emotions leads to better decision-making, greater resilience, and stronger performances when it matters most.
Self-Confidence
Confidence is the foundation of a strong mental game and consistent performance. Using sports psychology principles and targeted mindset training, we help athletes build confidence from the inside out—through goal setting, mental skills development, and focusing on effort over outcome. With personalized coaching, athletes learn to trust their training, bounce back from setbacks, and compete with belief—even under pressure. When confidence grows, performance follows.
Resilience
Mental toughness is a cornerstone of the mental game—built through sports psychology, mindset training, and real-world challenges. It’s not just about pushing through; it’s about adapting, refocusing, and showing up with purpose after every setback. Through resilience training and mental skills development, athletes learn how to stay composed under pressure, recover quickly from mistakes, and keep competing when things don’t go their way. These mindset tools turn adversity into fuel—and tough moments into turning points.
Self-Reflection
Journaling and reflection are powerful mental skills used in mindset training and sports psychology to strengthen an athlete’s mental game. They create space to process experiences, track growth, and learn from both wins and setbacks. These tools build self-awareness, clarify goals, and reinforce the mindset shifts made during coaching. With consistent reflection, athletes gain clarity, take ownership of their progress, and approach competition with greater focus and intention.
Self-Advocacy
Athletes perform their best when their mental game includes self-belief and the ability to advocate for themselves. Through sports psychology and mindset training, athletes develop the mental skills to communicate clearly, set boundaries, and make confident decisions both on and off the field. Advocacy and self-trust training strengthen leadership, build independence, and create lasting confidence rooted in self-awareness—not just results.
FAQ's About Mental Game Coaching for Athletes
What is sports psychology, and how can it help athletes?
Sports psychology is the study of how mental and emotional factors influence athletic performance. At Able Athletics Mindset, we apply sports psychology strategies to help athletes strengthen their mental game, build confidence, and develop resilience. This includes techniques like visualization, goal setting, and emotional regulation to enhance focus and performance.
What is the mental game, and why is it important?
The mental game refers to the psychological aspects of athletic performance, such as focus, confidence, and emotional control. Mastering the mental game is crucial because it enables athletes to perform consistently under pressure, recover from setbacks, and maintain motivation.
How does mindset training differ from physical training?
While physical training develops the body, mindset training focuses on cultivating mental skills like concentration, confidence, and resilience. At Aspire Mindset, we integrate mindset training into our coaching to ensure athletes are mentally prepared to face challenges and perform at their best.
What services does Aspire Mindset offer?
Aspire Mindset provides remote mental performance coaching tailored to athletes across various sports. Services include one-on-one coaching sessions focusing on mental skills development, such as goal setting, stress management, and leadership training. Our programs are designed to help athletes overcome mental barriers and achieve peak performance.
Who is Ashley Ainsworth, and what is her background?
Ashley Ainsworth is a mental performance coach with a Master's degree in Sport & Exercise Psychology and School Counseling. With over 15 years of experience as a coach and competitive athlete, including roles as a head women's college soccer coach, Ashley specializes in helping athletes build confidence, focus, and resilience through personalized coaching programs.
What age groups and sports do you work with?
We work with athletes of all ages and from various sports backgrounds. Whether you're a youth athlete, college competitor, or professional, our coaching programs are tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
What mental skills can athletes develop through your program?
Athletes can develop a range of mental skills, including:
Visualization
Goal Setting
Positive Self-Talk
Emotional Regulation
Focus and Concentration
Leadership and Communication
These skills are integral to enhancing performance and achieving consistency in competition.
How does goal setting improve athletic performance?
Effective goal setting provides athletes with direction and motivation. By setting specific, actionable targets, athletes can focus their efforts, track progress, and build confidence, leading to improved performance and resilience.
Can you help athletes manage performance anxiety?
Yes, our coaching includes strategies to manage stress and anxiety, such as mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises. These methods help athletes stay composed under pressure, maintain focus, and perform at their best during high-stress situations.
What results can athletes expect from your coaching?
Athletes can expect to see improvements in confidence, focus, and overall performance. Our coaching aims to equip athletes with the mental tools needed to handle pressure, recover from setbacks, and consistently perform at their highest level.
How long does it take to see improvements?
While individual progress varies, many athletes begin to notice positive changes within a few weeks of consistent mindset training and application of mental skills strategies.
How can I start working with Ashley at Aspire Mindset?
To begin, you can schedule a free consultation call through our website: Schedule a Free Call. During this call, we'll discuss your goals, challenges, and how our coaching can support your athletic journey.