21. Dr. Colleen Hacker, USWNT Mental Skills Coach & Performance Consultant

Dr. Colleen Hacker has served as a member of the United States Coaching Staff for 6 Olympic Games as a Mental Skills Coach and Performance Psychology Specialist. She began her National Team Service starting in 1995 working with U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and most recently served on the Gold Medal staff for USA Ice Hockey in the 2018 Olympic Games. Over the course of that time she’s been a part of numerous Gold Medal wins and has expanded her impact to a number of national teams. In addition to her work with National Teams, Dr. Hacker serves as the Mental Performance Consultant to professional, international and Olympic athletes in a variety of sports including MLB, the NFL, PGA, LPGA, MLS and many more. In today’s show Dr. Hacker challenges us to assess “do our actions match our words”. Why it’s necessary to meet an athlete where they are in terms of skill development. When mental toughness actually comes into play and why you should repair the roof when the sun is shining. Whether the mental side of the game is an ability or a skill. The foundational principles and where people can start with their own improvement. The rationale for untying measurement and success from outcomes. How the greats anchor themselves in possibilities. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the two qualities that anyone can lock on to that separate the elite performers from the rest. Follow Dr. Hacker: Twitter: @DrColleenHacker Website: https://www.plu.edu/kinesiology/staff/dr-colleen-hacker/ Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: @the_professionalathlete Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Produced By: Justin Gunter, Ken Gunter Music By: Justin Gunter, Ken Gunter