The Missing Piece in Your Athlete’s Training: Mental Coaching
- Tyler Lennon
- Jun 30
- 3 min read

From One Parent to Another
As a father of a young athlete, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I truly want for my son, not just as he plays sports, but as he grows into the man he’s becoming. Sure, I want him to be successful. Sure, I’d love to see him earn that scholarship and play at a high level. But if I’m honest?
What I want most is for him to be confident—not cocky, not arrogant, but grounded, resilient, unshakably confident in who he is.
This fall, he has the opportunity to attend a fantastic school. One of their required summer readings? The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser. He’s going into the 8th grade. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it. Teaching kids from a young age that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.
That’s exactly what we focus on with athletes through The Mental Edge Method—a coaching system designed to develop athletes from the inside out. Because what we’ve learned is simple: It’s not just the fastest, strongest athletes who earn scholarships—it’s the ones who are mentally built to last.
Let me break it down for you.
The Mental Edge Playbook: What We Teach
Phase 1: Building a Foundation
This is where it all begins—laying the groundwork mentally and emotionally.
Drive: Helping athletes connect with why they play. Not for trophies, but for something deeper.
Focus: Teaching them how to quiet distractions and stay locked in when it counts.
Belief: Building an unshakable inner confidence—even when no one’s clapping or watching.
Phase 2: Performance & Identity
This is where things really start to shift—athletes begin to own who they are.
Identity: Understanding that they're more than just their performance. They’re more than a number on a jersey.
Execution: Learning to show up every time, especially under pressure.
Recovery: Turning setbacks, injuries, and bad games into lessons—not roadblocks.
Ownership: Taking responsibility for their journey instead of blaming coaches, refs, or circumstances.
Phase 3: Leadership & Voice
This is where athletes go from being players to becoming leaders—on and off the field.
Voice: Helping them communicate with confidence—whether in a huddle, a meeting, or with a coach.
Responsibility: Understanding their impact on teammates, siblings, friends.
Influence: Becoming someone others look to—not because they’re loud, but because they’re steady.
What Mental Coaching Really Does
As a parent, I know how easy it is to focus on the physical training programs, private lessons, tournaments. But here's the truth: If your athlete doesn’t have the mental tools, none of the physical training sticks when the pressure hits.
Mental coaching helps uncover blind spots—those hidden patterns that keep athletes from leveling up. We help them build tools they’ll use far beyond sports:
Confidence under pressure
Emotional control
Leadership presence
Resilience when life throws curveballs
These aren’t just “sports skills.” These are life skills. And trust me—college coaches notice.
Action Step: Let’s Talk
If you’re reading this as a parent and thinking, “This is exactly what my kid needs”—then reach out.
Let’s talk about how we can support your athlete—not just in chasing a scholarship, but in building the confidence and mindset that’ll carry them through sports, school, and life.
Because sometimes the best training isn’t in the weight room or on the field—it’s in the space between the ears.
Let’s build the edge together.
Tyler Lennon
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