Regular Season Nov 21, 2009
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Everyone knows a student-athlete must be in good physical condition, but how much of a role does their mental demeanor play in their success?
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Mike Knox
St. Paul Johnson track & field coach |
 | Mental toughness is highly pivotal to the success of an athlete. Without a superior level of mental toughness, an athlete is limited in their potential, unable to break through barriers. A track athlete may be bound by their previous long jump distance if they haven't mentally challenged themselves to work harder during practice to perfect their technique. In contrast, a mentally strong athlete will leave the field with no regrets, making sure they gave everything they could. Mental toughness is an athlete's X-factor, separating them from other competitors. |
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Mick Ramey
New Life Academy softball coach |
 | Mental toughness at the end of a tight game can be the deciding factor in the outcome of that game. Athletes can gain their mental edge from the right attitude in practice. We work hard on situations that may happen in a game so we know what to expect and how to react if it happens. Some of the traits of an athlete that is mentally tough are: focused, self disciplined, hardworking, and they learn from their mistakes. We want our teams to play consistently loose under pressure. |
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Paul Twenge
Minnetonka baseball coach |
 | If an athlete sees himself/herself performing well in their sport it's crucial to their success and possibly the team's overall success. In baseball, you cannot have long-term memory with mistakes that you have made during the course of a game. Short bursts of focus on the task at hand are needed in every game athletes play. Passion to play will breed mental toughness, which will give the athlete an edge to being successful in everyone's eyes. |
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Bernae Gunderson
St. Paul Central softball coach |
 | An athlete’s mental approach to the game is essential to becoming an outstanding softball player. Their attitude, focus and especially their ability to overcome failure without frustration are keys. Softball is a game where the best hitters only succeed about 30 percent of the time. It’s how they handle the other 70 percent that can make a difference. It’s the tenacity to work through slumps and how they approach the game after an error that are the true challenges to players. |
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