Author of "Unshakeable Under Pressure" ↗
For Parents of Youth & High School Athletes
Help Your Athlete Love Their Sport Again.
When game-day anxiety takes over, one mistake turns into five, and your kid feels trapped inside their own head, talent isn't the problem. I teach athletes a simple 5-Second Reset so they can let go of mistakes, calm their nerves, and compete with freedom again.
You see it in the stands. And at home.
You know what your athlete is capable of. Lately, nerves and pressure keep getting in the way.
Stomach aches, tears, or a sleepless night before big games.
They play great in practice and tighten up in games.
One bad play ruins the rest of the game.
They're so afraid of mistakes they stop taking chances.
The car ride home has become the hardest part of game day.
They've started talking about quitting a sport they used to love.
None of this means something is wrong with your kid. Game-day anxiety is common in young athletes. It means no one has taught them what to do with the pressure and the mistakes. That's a skill, and it can be trained.
Less Stuck. More Free.
Mental performance coaching gives your athlete tools they can use in the middle of a game, not just talk about after it.
Every athlete is different, and progress takes practice. These are the goals we train toward together.
The 5-Second Reset, Built Through T.A.B.
Mistakes and pressure are part of every sport. Your athlete learns a repeatable way to respond, so the last play stops controlling the next one.
Recognize
Notice the moment (the mistake, the nerves, the frustration) without judging it.
Release
Let it go with a breath and a physical cue instead of carrying it into the next play.
Refocus
Lock in on What's Important Now (WIN) and get back to the plan.
The 10-Session T.A.B. Program
The goal isn't dependence on a coach. It's ownership: skills your athlete can use when it matters, because they've become part of how they compete.
What Families Are Saying.
"Our older son has been working with Ethan for over a year now and it has made a huge difference. He is playing confidently, not afraid to make mistakes, and is showing strong leadership on the ice."
"He helped my son work through the mental side of an injury, stay patient through a long recovery, and build confidence and an identity that extends beyond his sport."
"Top Notch! Ethan is a great listener, intelligent, and able to adapt to new scenarios. He uses his knowledge to come alongside and push clients and teams to improve their mental performance. Highly recommend!!"
Simple to Start. You Stay in the Loop.
Free 15-minute call
Tell me what you're seeing. We'll talk through it and decide together whether I'm the right fit.
The 10-session program
1-on-1 coaching by video, built around your athlete's sport, position, and schedule.
Parent check-ins
You'll know what we're working on and how to support it at home, without becoming the coach in the car.
We'll talk through cost and options on your free call. No pressure to commit.
I was that kid.
Growing up, I felt alone in my sport. Nobody told me I was okay. They told me I played well or did good based on my stats. I put so much pressure on myself that I lost the fun of being with my friends and the freedom to just compete.
I believed one mistake meant I was bad. Performance anxiety made me play tight and kept me from playing the way I knew how.
Then I found sport psychology, and learned to rewrite what I was telling myself. Today I can stay present, move past mistakes, and handle pressure. I teach young athletes the same skills, so they don't have to figure it out alone.
Your kid doesn't need more pressure. They need tools, and someone in their corner.
- Ethan G. Tabakelis, M.S., CMPC®, Certified Mental Performance Consultant
- M.S., Sport & Performance Psychology
- Author of Unshakeable Under Pressure
Before You Reach Out.
Is my kid's anxiety something you can help with?
If it shows up around their sport (nerves before games, fear of mistakes, freezing under pressure), yes. That's what mental performance coaching is for. If it's affecting life outside sport too, I'll help you find the right clinical support alongside our work.
Is this the same as therapy?
No. Mental performance coaching is skills training for the mental side of sport, not clinical treatment. Sessions are built around your athlete's sport: their position, their games, and what happens after a mistake.
What if my kid doesn't want to talk to someone?
That's normal. Sessions don't feel like a doctor's office. We talk about the game they play, and the first session is mostly about getting to know them. You're welcome to join the free call too.
How long does it take?
Most athletes start with the 10-session program: learn the tactics, apply the actions, and create the behavior. Sessions are 1-on-1 by video.
What does it cost?
It depends on what your athlete needs. We'll go over cost and options on your free 15-minute call, with no pressure to commit.
Who is the Resilience Test for?
Your athlete. It's a free 2-minute self-assessment of how they handle pressure and mistakes. You're welcome to sit with your kid while they take it, then we review the results together on a free call.
What does CMPC® mean?
Certified Mental Performance Consultant. It's the professional certification from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), the field's leading organization.
Will I know what's going on?
Yes. Parent check-ins keep you informed about what your athlete is working on and how you can support it at home.
Help Them Get Back to Loving the Game.
Free Resilience Test
A few minutes to see how your athlete handles mistakes, pressure, and momentum shifts. A clear starting point, no strings attached.
Take the Free Test →Free 15-Min Call
Tell me what's going on. You'll leave with a clearer picture of the problem and whether coaching is the right next step.
Book Your Free Call →Questions? Call or text (831) 219-8479