Building Mental Toughness in Athletes

The Ember to Inferno series guides coaches through their own journey of mental toughness while providing actionable strategies to build confidence and belief in their athletes. Rather than simply introducing more adversity, the focus is on creating a strong foundation for mental resilience.

Key Topics covered

Understanding Mental Toughness

Basics, definition, and factors contributing to its loss

Modern Challenges

Impact of social media, athletic pressures, and trauma

Neuroplasticity

Techniques for developing mental toughness

Mindfulness

Methods for improving focus and control

Confidence Building

Recognizing and controlling inner voice, practicing gratitude

Intentional Adversity

Assessing growth mindset and developing related skills

Accountability

Creating practice plans that consider mental health

Program Options

Keynote Presentation
  • Format: In-Person

  • Audience: All Staff

  • Duration: 60–90 minutes

Small Group Coaching Sessions

Ideal for groups of 5-10 people (grade levels, committees, departments, administrative staff).

  • Format: Virtual

  • Duration: 1 hour per session

Combined Presentation and Coaching Sessions

A comprehensive SEL program starting with the keynote presentation for all coaches, followed by small group coaching sessions throughout the school year.

About Coach matt Thomann

Matt Thomann is a highly regarded sports mental performance coach and life coach with over a decade of experience in public education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His journey to becoming a life coach was shaped by a series of life-altering events in 2020, including a cancer diagnosis and an ischemic stroke while managing a school during the Covid-19 pandemic.

These challenges taught Matt the essential nature of a positive mindset in overcoming life's obstacles. After relearning to speak and read aloud, and benefiting from positive psychology techniques, Matt decided to pivot his career. He began life coach training just five months after his stroke, combining his newfound insights with his extensive background in education and athletics.

The Mental Edge

"The Mental Edge" is your go-to resource for unlocking peak performance through mental resilience and strategic mindset training with stories containing valuable insights, practical tips, and expert advice tailored for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Explore techniques to enhance focus, build confidence, and overcome adversity, empowering you to excel in sports and life.

Sleep: The Hidden Edge for Athletic Performance
One of the most impactful topics explored in Episode 125 of the Mental Mettle Podcast is the science—and overlooked power—of sleep for elite performance. As a coach who’s experienced firsthand the mental and physical toll of sleep issues, Coach Matt Thomann dives deep into how quality rest is not just for recovery, but a true superpower for athletic and cognitive growth.​
The Compound Power of Consistency: How Small Steps and Grit Unleash Your True Potential
Endurance isn’t just about the miles, the medals, or monumental records. It’s about discovering new limits—again and again. In Episode 123 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Pierce Showe, a world-record endurance athlete, shares how his journey from first race jitters to ultra finishes proves one truth: the secret to “what else is possible?” lies in a single step repeated with intention, not talent or brute force.
Creating Player-Led Culture: How Trust and Freedom Grow Leaders in Sports
One of the most powerful, transformative concepts in sports today is the player-led culture—where athletes are trusted, challenged, and given the space to lead, not just follow. Coach Sean Taylor of Moline Boys Basketball shares his decades of experience building leadership “from the inside out,” revealing how freedom and trust—not micromanagement—create real growth for athletes and teams.