Answering FAQ's About My Work with Student-Athletes
Hey there, I'm Mike Cascini, a personal coach dedicated to supporting young adults through life's transitions and challenges. Today I'm answering some commonly asked questions regarding my approach to coaching and working with student-athletes:
What's your background?
My expertise lies primarily in psychology. I have a Master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in Sport Psychology. Over the years, I've worn many hats - from teaching to coaching golf. My passion lies in working with young adults, providing them with the guidance and support they need to thrive.
How does your work correlate with athletic performance?
As a personal coach, I draw upon principles that transcend both personal and athletic development. There's a strong overlap between the strategies I use to support individuals in their lives and those that enhance athletic performance; things that stand out are building confidence, overcoming anxiety, figuring yourself out as a person, goal setting, and finding motivation.
What are some common issues student-athletes may encounter?
Student-athletes often grapple with performance anxiety, lack of motivation, confidence issues, and unclear goals. Sometimes they aren't even sure if the sport they are playing is right for them or why they are playing it. I've seen firsthand how these challenges can impact an athlete's ability to play to their fullest potential. When I was a young pitcher there were times I felt completely alone on the mound, and I had to remember the stress and pressure were not solely on my shoulders, I had a team and a coach supporting me. One of my former clients, an ice hockey player, often accumulated a lot of penalty minutes. Together, we worked to reshape that energy into something more productive than sitting in a penalty box in addition to getting to the root cause of the behavior.
How do you help athletes with their goals?
Goal setting is essential, but it can feel overwhelming. I guide athletes in breaking down their goals into manageable pieces, focusing on both outcome goals and process goals. By defining specific actions and milestones, athletes can track their progress and stay motivated.
How can your approach support athletes in playing to their fullest potential?
Through our work together, athletes can expect to see improvements in confidence, clarity in goals, and mental toughness. Visualization and imagery play a significant role in enhancing performance, helping athletes envision success and translate it into action.
What happens if I fail?
When our expectations aren't met, it's important to identify those moments and ask questions. Rather than viewing them as failures, we can see that these instances are actually an opportunity for growth. I help athletes reframe setbacks as learning experiences, identifying areas for improvement, and move forward with resilience.
How do I find and stay motivated?
Motivation is deeply personal, and I work with athletes to uncover what truly drives them. By understanding their motivations, athletes can cultivate a sustainable source of inspiration to fuel their success.
What's it like if I want to work with you?
Collaboration is key. I offer virtual coaching sessions tailored to fit student-athletes' schedules, whether it's before or after practice/school. We start with a consultation to define your individual concerns, goals and needs, and how I can help. If we decide to work together, we establish a plan of what that looks like; perhaps it's just for the season, or maybe it's more ongoing. Sessions are 50 minutes and each session is tailored to you, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.
If you're interested in learning more or ready to take the next step, feel free to reach out via my website contact form, email or social media. I'm here to support you on your journey to success, both on and off the field.