Author of "Unshakeable Under Pressure" ↗
Mental Performance Coaching for Young Athletes
Help Your Athlete Love Their Sport Again.
When one mistake turns into five, nerves take over on game day, 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, handle pressure, and compete with freedom.
You Can See It From the Stands.
You know what your athlete is capable of. Lately, something gets in the way.
They play great in practice and tighten up in games.
One bad play ruins the rest of the game.
The car ride home has become the hardest part of game day.
They're starting to dread a sport they used to love.
None of this means something is wrong with your kid. It means no one has taught them what to do after the mistake. 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.
How the Reset Becomes Automatic
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.
1-on-1 sessions
Sport-specific coaching by video, built around your athlete's position, challenges, 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.
Read the book ↗
Ethan G. Tabakelis, M.S., CMPC®
I help athletes get out of their own heads and back to playing the game they love. My work is built on applied sport psychology and one simple idea: every athlete makes mistakes, and the ones who thrive are the ones who know how to reset.
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®)
- M.S., Sport & Performance Psychology
- Author of Unshakeable Under Pressure
- Golf, football, baseball, hockey, skiing and snowboarding
Before You Reach Out.
What is mental performance coaching?
It's skills training for the mental side of sport: handling mistakes, managing nerves, staying focused, and competing with confidence. Athletes learn tools like the 5-Second Reset and practice them until they hold up in competition.
Is this the same as therapy?
No. Mental performance coaching is focused on performance skills, not clinical treatment. If your athlete would benefit from clinical support, I'll help you find the right referral.
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.
Who do you work with?
Youth, high school, and college athletes who want to handle pressure better, plus parents who want to know how to help. I work most with golfers, quarterbacks, pitchers, hockey players, and skiers and snowboarders.
How do sessions work?
Sessions are 1-on-1 by video, so your athlete can work with me wherever you live. We start with a free 15-minute call to see if it's a fit.
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