Finding Joy Under Pressure with Mental Performance Coach Matt
Guest: Matt — Mental Performance Coach, Center for Creative Growth; Girls Lacrosse Coach, Barrington High School
Episode Summary:
Matt shares his journey from falling in love with lacrosse as a youth to coaching girls’ lacrosse at Barrington. He discusses the learning curve coaching the girls’ game, the cultural differences between boys’ and girls’ teams, and how his work as a mental performance coach shapes his approach.
Key Topics Covered:
Matt’s background and how he found coaching after loving lacrosse as an athlete.
Differences between girls’ and boys’ lacrosse: culture, connectedness, and communication.
The steep learning curve in adapting to the girls’ game and being a man coaching women’s athletics.
Matt’s coaching mindset: humility, listening, and asking good questions.
Core mental-performance advice: “Find the joy in the process” — focus on controllables, not outcomes.
Reframing pressure: stop “the demonization of pressure” and treat pressure as a privilege.
Practice vs. competition: strategies for athletes who excel in practice but struggle in games.
Memorable quotes:
“I don’t know what I don’t know.” — on being a man in a woman’s field and staying curious
“Find the joy in the process.” — focus on the why, not only outcomes
“Pressure is what I train for.” / “Pressure is a privilege.” — reframing pressure positively
“Feel instead of think.” — performing under pressure, Sampson
“The most dangerous athlete is the most relaxed.” — on optimal arousal and performance, Danielle
Actionable Tips for Athletes:
Reconnect with why you play — prioritize enjoyment in training and competition.
Focus on controllables (effort, process, fundamentals) rather than outcomes or stats.
Reframe pressure as a sign you care and a chance to show preparation.
Practice feeling into performance (body awareness) instead of overthinking during games.
Build team communication and cohesion — it matters for performance and experience.
Who This Episode Is For:
Athletes who perform well in practice but struggle in competition.
Anyone interested in mental performance and team culture.
Subscribe and follow for more episodes on coaching, mental performance, and team culture.
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