Sports Psychology Coaching:
Real Results From Real Athletes
Sports psychology coaching works. For more than 40 years, Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team at Peak Performance Sports has helped athletes at every level build confidence, sharpen focus, and perform at their best under pressure. Below is a partial list of athletes who have shared results from their work with Dr. Cohn.
Peak Performance Sports works with athletes from all sports, all ages, and all competitive levels. Read what clients say about working with us or browse our sports psychology case studies to hear athletes describe their experience in their own words.
Auto Racing | Ballet/Dance | Baseball/Softball | Equestrian | Golf | Hockey | Football | Boxing & Martial Arts | Lacrosse | Motocross | Pickleball | Shooting | Skating | Soccer | Swimming | Tennis | Surfing | Wrestling | Track & Field | Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sports psychology coaching actually improve performance?
Yes. Athletes who work on the mental game alongside physical training report faster recovery from mistakes, steadier confidence under pressure, and more consistent results in competition. The testimonials below include athletes who went from losing streaks to national championships and from performance anxiety to personal bests.
What sports does Peak Performance work with?
Peak Performance Sports, LLC works with athletes across more than 30 sports including golf, baseball, tennis, soccer, motocross, swimming, skating, and auto racing. The mental skills he teaches apply across all competitive sports.
How long does it take to see results?
Many athletes report changes within a few sessions. Parents in the testimonials below describe noticeable differences in composure and confidence after a single session. Sustained improvement in competitive results typically develops over a full season.
Who can work with us?
Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches works with athletes of all ages and experience levels, from youth athletes to PGA Tour and NASCAR professionals.
Auto Racing
Improved Focus and Confidence Behind the Wheel
“I think Dr. Cohn’s mental coaching has helped me immensely. It has taught me what to focus on in and out of the racecar. How to stay calm and focused have been key skills that I have learned which have helped me be a better and more confident racecar driver.”*
~AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Regained Focus and Won Races
“Your program helped me to regain focus and confidence. Our sport is all mental. I am very proud the last two races of the year. I was able to get back to enjoying what I loved to do, RACE. Your program gave me the competitive edge that I needed to win races. Thanks so much again.”*
~Chip Ellis, Pro Stock Motorcycle Racer
Confidence, Focus, and Composure on Track
“Every serious race car driver needs to work with a mental game expert, such as Dr. Cohn of Peak Performance Sports. Dr. Cohn taught me how to harness the power of confidence, focus, and composure on the track. Even better, I am able to apply his mental game strategies for racing to the rest of my life!”*
~Burney Lamar, NASCAR Driver
Three Wins in One Season
“Dr. Cohn, with your help I won my last race at Hockenheim. Your mental strategies really helped me improve as my results improved dramatically during the year. I received a 3rd, 2nd, and then won my final race of the season!”*
~Jonathan Summerton, F3 Euro Series Driver
Tuning Out Distractions in the Race
“With the help of Dr. Cohn, my son is very focused and confident as a race car driver. In races, he now can tune out distractions easier and focus on driving.”*
~Alan Summerton
Ballet/Dance
Calm, Poised, and Performing at Her Best
“It was amazing!!! Before the show, I really felt like I was becoming the part. I was oddly calm, which concerned me because I thought my nerves might kick in on stage! But, they didn’t! I stayed focused in each moment, and remained calm, and actually did the difficult tricks better than I ever have! My coaches were all so proud of me and the one who I know the best was marveling at my calm, poised manner throughout the ballet. They said it seemed like I was doing it for the 15th time, I looked so comfortable. This is the result of my work with you! You gave me the tools to tackle this huge mountain of a role, step by step! I am beyond happy!”*
~Professional Ballerina
Confident, Instinctual, and Present in Competition
“The last competition went perfect. I would say it was a very positive performance. If I look at the videos and ask, do I look confident? Yes. Am I letting go of mistakes and staying in the moment? Yes. Am I instinctual? Yes. Am I positive towards my partner? Yes. So over all from a mental game point of view I would say this was a successful competition.”
~Tal Livshitz, Amateur Latin Line Dancer, Top 3 in USA
Baseball/Softball
5-for-7 With 2 Home Runs in the Playoffs
“Dr. Cohn I’ve been tearing it up lately! Every single thing you taught me works perfectly in every situation I’ve been in. In the playoffs I’m 5-7 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. I feel great at the plate and focusing is a breeze now. I just wanted to thank you for everything and keep you posted with how everything was going.”*
~Jalen Phillips, High School Baseball Player
Process Over Outcome: A Shift That Changed His Game
“The mental game lessons really helped me focus on the process of my performance and not the outcome. I now realize the difference between confidence and trust, in that confidence comes before competition. Your coaching is really going to help me improve my mental game this fall.”*
~Trey Mancini, Collegiate Baseball Player
Soaring Confidence, Division I Interest
“I want to thank you for the great work you are doing with Ty. He seems to be soaring with confidence right now. We are flying out to see him pitch next weekend. He threw well Friday night and is drawing a lot of interest from several Division 1 schools. I’ll let you know how he looks.”*
~Randy Sullivan, Ty’s Father
Handling Stress and Pressure More Efficiently
“With your help, I have been able to deal with stress and pressure of the game of baseball more efficiently. I have learned what it means to focus on the process to help me keep my focus and disregard negative thoughts and energies. Thanks for your help. I look forward to speaking with you again.”*
~Keith Donnell, College Baseball Player
A Systematic Approach to the Mental Game
“Dr. Cohn has put together a program that has enabled myself and our players to approach the mental game in a systematic way that is easy to use and apply. Our awareness level has greatly increased.”*
~Marty Hunter, Head Baseball Coach, George Fox University
Separating Good Performers From Great Ones
“The mental aspects definitely separate the great performers from the unsuccessful ones. Dr. Cohn’s programs can help athletes improve the mental aspect and take performances to a higher and more consistent level.”*
~Rick Hall, Baseball Coach, Daytona Beach C.C.
Step Out, Relax, and Play
“Thank you so much for talking with our team. You are a great influence. The confidence material really helped me, and I will be working on that as long as I play and after. I can now step out there and just relax and play.”*
~Melissa Riesberg, Clarke College Softball
The Most Relaxed, Confident At-Bats of Her Career
“I wanted to say that your program is one of the contributing factors that has helped Michelle improve her hitting. Last week she had the most relaxed, confident games at bat ever! The mental exercises have started to make things click. The mental program is something she can practice in other facets of life. I am pleased that we decided to invest in your program: the results are showing.”*
~Jim Ellis, Michelle’s Father
Led the Team in Batting Average, RBIs, and Runs. Signed to Penn State.
“I want to thank you for your attention with my son Keith, Jr. You helped him to focus his attention on the sequential steps necessary to make the most of his at-bats. Keith went on to have one of his best baseball seasons ever. He led his team in batting average, stolen bases, RBI, and runs scored. He ended the summer with serious interest from several Division I colleges and eventually signed a letter of intent to play for Pennsylvania State University. He received a partial baseball scholarship and is now on the roster. Thanks again for your help.”*
~Keith M. Donnell Sr.
Golf
Qualified for the European Tour
“Thanks for all your help Dr. Cohn. You can rest assured that all our work came in very handy when I successfully qualified for the European Tour. I’m very happy and extremely thankful to you for helping me achieve this massive goal of qualifying for the European Tour! Thanks a lot again.”*
~Alex Rocha, European Tour Player
A Proven System for Building Confidence
“To play well, you have to believe you can play well. Confidence goes a long way in golf. Dr. Cohn has developed a great system that helped me improve confidence and my overall mental approach to golf.”*
~Brian Watts, 11-time Winner on the PGA Japan Tour
Trusting His Game and His Putting Stroke
“The mental side is everything in golf, the ability to see your shot or line and trust that you can hit that shot or putt. Dr. Cohn has helped me trust my game and putting stroke.”*
~Frank Lickliter, PGA Tour, Nike Tour Winner
Confidence Around the Greens, Better Putting
“To win at any level, you have to train both your mind and body. Dr. Cohn does an excellent job of teaching you how to develop confidence and touch around the greens, both of which are vital to any player’s success. Dr. Cohn has taught me excellent practice drills for putting that have helped me become a better putter.”*
~J.L. Lewis, PGA Tour Winner
Relaxed, Ready, and Letting Go of Mistakes
“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me to get back on track and get things going again.”*
~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour
Self-Talk and Confidence Improved, Scores Dropped
“I am a PGA Professional and when I connected with you, I just wanted some ideas to help my students. But thanks to you, my own game has improved! I think I will shoot 69; negative thoughts have vanished; and my self-talk and confidence has improved tremendously. I will be referring my students to your web site.”*
~Bill Allen, PGA Pro
Won by 144 Over 43 Competitors
“Last weekend Lisa played in a Florida Junior Golf Association tournament in Gainesville. She played great and won (74-70=144) over 43 other competitors! She’s starting to really believe in herself and her stats are improving each tournament. She is thinking better and making much smarter decisions on the course. Thanks again for your help Dr. Cohn.”*
~Scott Tyler, Father of Lisa Tyler
Shot a 69 on His Home Course
“Hank has consistently improved over the summer. He is getting stronger and more confident. He often talks about the mental game techniques that you have shared with him for his success. We visited my home in Wisconsin last week and he shot a 69 on my old home course which is a one-under round. Thanks for your help.”*
~Billy Dettlaff, Hank’s Father
Hockey
The Best Mental Training Resource for Coaches
“Peaksports.com website is so exciting. I researched them all and without a doubt your mental training site is the best! The vast amount of programs you provide helps athletes and coaches achieve higher levels of excellence in sports.”*
~Doug Bolander, Hockey Coach
Boxing & Martial Arts
Two World Championship Medals
“I am a Brazilian coach in Tempe, AZ. I am the vice-president of the Arizona State Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation. I would like to say that you have a great program; you have been able to help me and my competitors. My fiancee, Kristina Barlaan, who just won two medals at the 2012 World Championship has also mentioned your program as a big help.”*
~Gustavo Dantas, Coach
Calm, Patient, and Ready to Win
“Thanks a lot for your help with the mental coaching. I’m so happy I won against David Allen. I was nervous earlier in the day, but when I got to the arena, I was so calm and ready to trust in my skills. I stayed patient and stuck to the game plan.”
~David Price, British Heavyweight Champion 2012 & 2013
Lacrosse
Focus on the Process, Best Game of the Season
“After your session, Mason had a game. He had the best game so far! He hustled, shot, no goals but two assists but he was cool with it because his focus was on shooting and not scoring (finally), defended well with his hands, finally put it all together. It was fun to watch and you could tell he felt really good about it.”*
~Kelly, Lacrosse Mom
Playing Well and Feeling Great About It
“The sessions have been so helpful. Dawson has been playing really well and more importantly feeling great about it all.”*
~Kecia Muller, Lacrosse Parent
Equestrian
National Champion Performs With Confidence
“WOW!!! What a week I had. I was able to perform with a confidence that allowed my style to shine through, no more entering the arena with that ‘deer in the headlights’ look or feeling. I stopped evaluating myself while I was performing, and I actually left the arena after my patterns feeling like I had experienced a lot of fun. Thank you so much.”*
~Julia Dreyer, National Champion Equestrian
The Best Show She and Her Horse Have Ever Had
“I came across your website and ordered the Equestrian Confidence CD program. My competition yesterday was amazing and probably the best show my horse partner and I have ever had. I targeted reasonable objectives and broke things down. It was just us; no noise getting into my brain and creating those storms.”*
~Susan Mong, Equestrian
Learned to Relax and Let Her Horse Do the Work
“I finished ‘The Confident Athlete CD’ and I am half way through ‘The Focused Athlete.’ Thank you for such great programs. I had come to the realization that I was overthinking things, not feeling my horse and relaxing (keeping it simple). You have given me the tools to relax and let my horse do her job.”*
~Kay Evans, Equestrian
Top 10 Finish and Handled Pressure Better Than Ever
“Maddy had a great show in OKC! She placed in the top 10 out of huge classes in the horsemanship class! She also had really great placings in the western riding classes. Her horse acted up a bit around one of the arenas, but she handled it better than she ever has! Thank you for your guidance so far!”
~Jennifer Carter, Sports Mom
Football
Confident All Day, Playing Well in Practice
“Dr. Cohn, I went 3-3 for 37 yards in the first game of the season. I felt confident all day and looking forward to more opportunity this weekend! I can tell my mental state has improved from before we started working. I’m feeling great mentally and playing well in practice. I will stay in touch.”
~Kevin Davidson, Collegiate Quarterback
Coaches Communicating in an Open Atmosphere
“I felt the time spent in your seminar was very well organized. The topics were great and you had the coaches communicating in an open atmosphere. Thanks again for your time and effort and I look forward to talking with you in the future.”*
~Coach Dave Wannstedt, Miami Dolphins
Perfect on Three Field Goals in the Final College Game
“After going through a week of practice using your pre-kick routine, I was perfect on three field goals on a muddy field and a windy day in my final college game. Now I am entertaining the idea of trying to enter the professional ranks. Thank you for your help!”*
~Nate Littlefield, Collegiate Kicker
Motocross
National Champion: Dramatic Performance Improvement
“Since working with Dr. Cohn, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my racing performance. Dr. Cohn has helped me to be much more confident in my racing and the results prove it!”*
~Matt Boni, MX National Champion
On the Podium Under Tough Circumstances
“Your mental coaching has helped me be mentally prepared and ready to go racing. To be a MX champion, your body and mind have to work together on the track. Dr. Cohn helped me get on the podium even under tough circumstances and strengthen my mental game side of racing. I am ready to win this championship now.”*
~Max Anstie, Pro Motocross Racer
Performing Better Under Pressure
“Your work with my son Taylor has really helped him perform better under pressure. Your coaching is so good that I don’t want our competitors to find out about our secret weapon: and that’s YOU! Thanks Dr. Cohn!”*
~Kevin Johnson, Taylor’s Father
Confidence in the Saddle and Teamwork Off the Track
“Dr. Cohn’s mental coaching has really helped our son Justin gain confidence in his riding and teach us how to improve teamwork on and off the track.”*
~Stephanie Starling, Justin’s Mother
Won a National Championship
“Your powerful mental game coaching strategies have really helped my son Matt improve his racing and get to the top of his class in motocross racing. In fact, he won a National Championship with your help. Thank you.”*
~Dan Boni, Matt’s Father
Pickleball
First Place in Women’s Singles at a National Tournament
“I have to admit I haven’t finished the courses but the time that I have spent has been life changing! I just got back from a national pickleball USSP tournament in Oklahoma this weekend. Every time I play singles my mental game suffered, until this weekend. Thanks to your program I am on my way to a pleasurable start. I have always had anxiety, it’s gone! I’ve always worried about the opponent, it’s gone. I’ve never used mental coaching during my performance. It’s now with me whenever I play. I am grateful to have this training. When it got tough, I got tough. I have included my 1st place picture in the Women’s singles, ages 65 to 69. Onward and up!”
~Jean Alverez, Pickleball Player
Shooting
Top 5 in the State
“Dr. Cohn was very helpful in helping me get focused for competition. He taught me how to focus on the process, be confident in my abilities, and develop a preshot routine for shooting. I finished top five in the state with his help.”*
~Dave Gatlin, Masters-Level Shooter
Broke 100 Straight at a National Satellite Tournament
“I broke a 100 Straight at a Satellite Grand in Iowa this week. Mostly All Americans here, a tough tourney to compete in as you can see from the top scores. Miss one and you are pretty much out. I won what is called a carry over to determine who wins when the scores at the top are the same. Four of us in the Veteran category ran 100. They were all two classes above me in skill level. I beat them in the carryover by running a 25 straight. I am making good progress with the tools you enabled me with.”
~Fred W. Smith, Shooter
Scores Increased in Record Time
“First, I would like to thank you for the help given to me through your programs, ‘The Confident Athlete’ and ‘The Focused Athlete.’ I have made tremendous sacrifices through all these years to become a top Olympic Trap shooter but something was missing. This missing piece was my mental game. My scores increased tremendously in record time and others said that I was a different shooter.”*
~Marios Kapodistria
Confidence Deficiencies Identified and Fixed
“I found that I had deficiencies in my confidence that had hampered my game performance. I have instituted some of the concepts discussed in these books into my shooting preparation. These changes have improved my shooting skills and performance and are proving to be very beneficial. Thanks for your help.”*
~Charles Bremer
Figure Skating
Won the Short, Won the Long, Personal Best
“Ashley wanted me to let you know that she placed very well at her competition this past weekend, thanks to you! She won the short, won the long, and had her personal best. She now looks at her competitions like ice shows and has fun. It is so nice to see her enjoying the skate. She is very focused and very confident. We attribute this to you.”*
~Brenda Glassco, Skating Parent
Personal Best and Regional Champion
“I just wanted to let you know that my son skated this weekend at our Regional Competition. He worked his mental game and everything you taught him. He skated two wonderful programs, scored a personal best and ended up with the title of Regional Champion. Thank you for your wonderful training. He had the right focus and had so much fun at this competition. The title is sweet icing on the cake.”*
~Pamela, Sports Parent
6th in the Country, Personal Best Under Pressure
“Kayleigh handled the pressure very well while many of the girls around her crumbled. She skated very well and ended 6th among the top 40 in the country. She achieved her personal best in both her short program and overall and tied her personal best in the long. I think you have helped her!”*
~Kathy Maksymec, Parent
Soccer
Best Weekend of Soccer She Has Ever Played. College Coach Noticed.
“Michelle had the best weekend of soccer she has ever played. I’m not just saying this because you have been working with her (I promise!). She was relaxed, did not get frustrated with herself or teammates, never once ‘shut down’ and actually smiled a couple of times. Numerous parents noticed a difference in her composure and attitude. A college coach sent an email last night expressing interest, commenting on her level of play during the weekend. Thanks again for everything. Michelle is in a very good place right now!”*
~Diana, Michelle’s Mother
40 Years in Soccer, Still Learning From the Mental Game
“I have enjoyed and benefited from your emails over the past year or two. I have been a player, parent, and coach in soccer over the past 40 years. Thanks for the assistance with the mental game resources.”*
~Kyle Congleton
20 to 30 Minutes a Day on the Mental Game
“We try and spend 20 to 30 minutes a day working on the mental aspects of the game. My daughter is enjoying it and feels it has helped and I know it has worked for her mother and I. I think you need to open a branch up here in Detroit, Michigan because there are a lot of parents and kids up here that need this information. Keep up the good work!”*
~Scott Burgess
From Low Confidence to Goalkeeper Who Prepares Mentally for Every Big Game
“Adam is one of your success stories. We purchased the CD program for him last year around this time. He is a soccer goalie and needed more confidence. The change was dramatic and he still goes through the exercises before a big game.”*
~Stella Prevost
Surfing
Won ASF and Surfing America Prime
“I thought Dr. Cohn did a great job with our mental coaching. I won ASF with a score of 9 and won Surfing America Prime. I was able to tune in my focus and not get distracted during heats.”*
~Nicole Fulford, Surfer
Tennis
Mental Skills and Discipline to Move to the Next Level
“Dr. Cohn did a great job working with my son Joe on his mental skills for tennis. He taught him the mental skills and discipline necessary to move to the next level. Thanks Doc!”*
~Mike Withers, Joe Withers’ Father
More Grounded, More Focused, Upset a Seeded Team
“Maggie had such a great weekend. After she works with you she seems more grounded and focused. She’s less likely to look around and get distracted during her match. She’s more focused on one point at a time. Also, as a parent, I’ve learned to encourage her process goals and not outcomes. She played well and won her first doubles match, upsetting a seeded team in a close match!”*
~Katherine Johnson Cannata, Maggie’s Mother
National Ranking Jumped From 349 to 148
“Since you last worked with AJ in early September, his national ranking has improved from 349 to 148. His tournament record at one point was 17-4, with 3 of the 4 being in third sets or tiebreakers and 2 of those matches being against the same player, whom he has since beaten (you may recall he was on an 0-9 losing streak when we contacted you). His tiebreaker record is at least 90% through last weekend when he won the 18s District tournament with a semi and final match tiebreak win. Your help has improved AJ’s results and his on-court demeanor has substantially improved.”*
~Dawn Woodman, A.J.’s Mother
Overcoming a Lifetime of Tournament Anxiety
“I want to let you know that your ‘Tennis Confidence’ CD program has been extremely helpful to me. I listen to the CDs in the car and the program is helping me overcome a lifetime of tournament performance anxiety. Thank you!”*
~Wing Yu, Tennis Player
Controlling Emotions on Court in Under 24 Hours
“She did well with controlling her emotions during the matches today. We were very proud of her for not showing her frustrations during the match; I think that was a big accomplishment. She looked in control of her emotions even when she double faulted or made mistakes. The changes we saw in her behavior in less than 24 hours were awesome! Thank you for your guidance!”*
~Jennifer, Tennis Parent
A Complete Mental Training System for Coaches
“Thank you for all the knowledge, tools, material, and guidance you have given me throughout the MGCP course. It was a great experience. I am looking forward to integrating your mental training system to students at the club, as well as to athletes that are committed and striving towards reaching their peak performance.”*
~Tim Whitehead, Tennis Coach
An Outstanding Clinic at the ITA Coaches Convention
“On behalf of all of our coaches who attended the 2004 ITA Coaches Convention, I would like to thank you for serving as a featured clinician. I know that the coaches felt it was both enjoyable and informative. We greatly appreciate your taking the time to prepare and present such an outstanding clinic for the benefit of our coaches.”*
~Nancy Breo, ITA Convention
Swimming
Five Firsts and One Second at Nationals
“Patrick, with your great instruction on the mental game, I had the best nationals I have ever had. And even more important, I got through the five days relaxed and had fun, a new concept in my life! The bottom line: I got five firsts and one second! Thank you. You are just what I needed.”*
~Dennis O’Brien, Swimmer & Member
Simplifying Sports Psychology for Swimmers
“The books/CDs in ‘The Confident Athlete’ are very good. My swimmer has responded very favorably to them. In fact, her father purchased all three programs. You have done a great job consolidating and simplifying the myriad of ideas in sports psychology.”*
~Nick Baker, Peak Performance Swim Camp
Wrestling
Second in State, Three Individual Champions
“Dr. Cohn, we had a great season. We finished second in the State Tournament. We scored 163 points, which is 11 more than we scored the year we won the state tournament. We had three individual state champs. We improved our mental preparation in the post season. The kids bought in and worked at it. We will need you again next year. Hopefully, you can help us reach our goals next year.”*
~Coach Jim Bird, Head Coach Osceola High School
Composure and Sportsmanship He Had Never Shown Before
“My son Jake has struggled with composure for as long as I can remember. He is doing the Composed Athlete program and is about half way through. He had the biggest, most stressful wrestling tournament of his season this past weekend. I have never seen him demonstrate such composure and sportsmanship. I was so happy I was fighting back tears. It’s been a long and frustrating road. I am so thankful for your program.”*
~Laura Grogan
Track & Field
2nd Place, Shattered County Records, Never Loses
“Walker did another medal, 2nd place time of 7:56 in the 2-mile relay. He shattered Doug Butler’s and Brevard County school records. You have no idea how far Walker’s come with his mental game! Walker never loses anything. I can’t thank you enough Dr. Cohn for helping Walker!”*
~Lesa Hersch, Walker’s Mom
Ready to Improve Your Mental Game?
Whether you compete in golf, baseball, tennis, motocross, or any other sport, Dr. Cohn has a program built for your needs. See programs and get started.
Disclaimer
*Testimonials found on this site are examples of what we have done for other clients, and what some of our clients have said about us. However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. No compensation was provided for these testimonials.
Last Updated on June 4, 2026