Mariel D.

I bring a lifelong background as a competitive athlete and coach, with experience at the youth, high school, collegiate, and adult levels. I am a former Division I athlete and have coached at the NCAA Division I level as an Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach. In addition to collegiate coaching, I have worked in private coaching and instructional settings, supporting athletes through individual sessions, group training, clinics, and performance-focused programming. I typically work with youth athletes (ages 12–18), college athletes, and adult or former athletes. My coaching emphasizes mental performance, confidence, focus, emotional control, and consistency under pressure. I am currently pursuing graduate-level education in mental health and performance-related fields and operate within a non-clinical coaching framework, integrating evidence-based performance mindset principles into my work.

I work with competitive athletes who want to improve confidence, focus, and emotional control in high-pressure situations.

As a former elite collegiate athlete and coach, I understand the mental challenges athletes face—nerves before competition, frustration after mistakes, negative self-talk, and inconsistent confidence. My approach focuses on teaching practical mental performance skills that athletes can apply immediately in competition.

I help athletes learn how to manage emotions, stay focused, respond instead of react, and build confidence that doesn’t depend on results. My sessions are structured, supportive, and skill-based, designed to help athletes perform with composure and consistency on and off the field.

I work with middle school, high school, and collegiate athletes across sports.

I competed at the NCAA Division I collegiate level, where I was a two-time All-American and member of a national championship team. I competed nationally throughout my collegiate career and was recognized for both individual performance and team success. Following my playing career, I remained in high-performance sport as an NCAA Division I Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach, contributing to elite player development and championship-level programs. My athletic and coaching background reflects years of competing and leading in high-pressure environments, where discipline, resilience, and mental toughness were essential. These experiences strongly inform my work with athletes today, particularly around confidence, focus, composure, and performing under pressure.

Sessions delivered via Zoom or phone — remote mental performance coaching.

Session Plan Description

Each session is structured to help athletes build practical mental performance skills they can use immediately in competition.

Sessions begin with a brief check-in to review recent competitions, training, and mental challenges. We then focus on one core mental performance skill, such as emotional control, confidence, focus, or managing pressure. Athletes learn how to apply these skills to real competitive situations, including handling mistakes, staying composed, and maintaining focus under stress.

Every session includes guided discussion, applied exercises, and clear strategies that athletes can practice between sessions. Athletes leave each session with specific tools and action steps designed to improve confidence, composure, and consistency in performance.

Sessions are supportive, structured, and tailored to the athlete’s sport, age, and competitive level.