In this episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC welcomes Mariah Mazon, a professional softball player and aspiring sports psychology professional. Mariah shares her journey from a youth softball player in Tulare, California, to a standout two-way star at Oregon State, and now a pro with Athletes Unlimited. She opens up about navigating major adversities, including the COVID-19 season disruption and a hamstring injury during her senior year, and how she leaned on family, physical activity, and mental strategies like meditation and focal cues to stay grounded. Mariah also discusses the unique challenges of transitioning to professional softball, from the pressure of the Athletes Unlimited point system to managing media and fan interactions. Her insights into mental preparation and her vision to create a holistic training facility for young athletes make this a must-listen for athletes and coaches alike.

As she pursues her master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology, Mariah reflects on how her experiences with a sports psychologist shaped her approach to coaching and mental resilience. This episode offers practical tools and inspiration for young athletes navigating transitions and building mental toughness.

Key Takeaways from "From Adversity to Aspiration: Mariah Mazon’s Softball Journey and Mental Game"

• Navigating COVID Disruptions: Mariah leaned on family time, board games, and outdoor activities like running to maintain mental health during the uncertain 2020 season cancellation.
• Mental Recovery from Injury: A hamstring tear in her senior year challenged Mariah’s mindset; she used meditation and team sports psychology sessions to focus on pitching and regain balance.
• Power of Mental Tools: Mariah relies on pre-game meditation, physical focal cues (e.g., grounding her feet), and verbal cues like “WIN” (What’s Important Now) to stay present and manage distractions.
• Pro-Level Challenges: The Athletes Unlimited point system, public leaderboards, mandatory fan interactions, and living in hotels create unique pressures that require mental discipline.
• Overcoming Negative Self-Talk: Exposure to a sports psychologist helped Mariah recognize and shift negative self-talk from harsh coaching, boosting her performance and confidence.
• Transition Tips: Mariah advises young athletes to focus on mental preparation routines, reflecting on successful games to identify what mental strategies work best.
• Future Vision: Mariah aims to open a Central Valley facility offering physical and mental training for young athletes, addressing the lack of resources she faced growing up.

More about Mariah Mazon:

Mariah Mazon is a Tulare, California, native and standout softball player, best known for her dominant two-way career at Oregon State as both a pitcher and hitter. After college, she went pro with Athletes Unlimited Softball League, represented Team USA internationally, and played overseas in Japan with the Toda Medics. She later transitioned into coaching, with stops at Holy Names University and the Academy of Art University. Mariah is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology at California State University, Fresno.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Mariah Mazon: Team USA
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “From Adversity to Aspiration: Mariah Mazon’s Softball Journey and Mental Game”:

• Sydney Supple | Empowering Women and Northwestern Softball
• Savanah Whatley Opens Up About Mental Health in Life and Softball
• Black Representation and Visibility in Softball with Zoe Conley AthMindset | Black Representation and Visibility in Softball with Zoe Conley

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. In this raw and heartfelt episode, Lisa sits down with Marcus Smith II, a former NFL first-round draft pick turned mental health advocate, life coach, and Global Ambassador for All Points North (APN). Marcus shares his journey from anxiety attacks at age eight to a near-fatal moment during his NFL career, revealing how therapy and APN transformed his life. Together, they explore the stigma black men face in addressing mental health, the power of vulnerability, and Marcus’s work with Circle of M to support athletes and youth. Lisa opens up about her own postpartum panic attacks, creating a powerful exchange of lived experiences.

Key Takeaways from "Unmasking Mental Health with Marcus Smith"

• Mental health’s hidden face: It doesn’t have a look, and success can mask deep struggles.
• Cultural barriers: Black men often inherit silence around emotions, fearing judgment or weakness.
• Marcus’s story: From NFL highs to a suicide attempt, healed through therapy and APN’s 30-day program.
• Support matters: A team of listeners and professionals can redefine identity beyond sport.
• Youth focus: Circle of M empowers kids with mental health tools, starting with the feelings wheel.
• Physical weight of pain: Anxiety and depression feel like a vest, lifted through sharing and healing.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Marcus Smith II: LinkedIn | The Circle of M podcast | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “Unmasking Mental Health with Marcus Smith”:

• Doug Middleton | From NFL to Mental Health Advocacy and Dream Yoga + Wellness
• Marques Ogden | Former NFL Player, Servant Leader, Inspirational Speaker
• Dominique Easley | NFL Veteran Championing Student-Athletes in Underserved Communities

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. In this episode, Lisa sits down with Courtney Messina, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, a former Ole Miss soccer athlete, and Senior Director for Outpatient Clinical Operations at All Points North (APN). Courtney shares insights from her work with elite athletes, including her role at APN’s Elite Athletes Program and as a visiting therapist at TCU. They explore why athletes seek therapy—sports injuries, identity struggles, mental performance, and more—while unpacking the unique challenges of transitioning out of sport. From practical tips like prioritizing sleep to society’s need to destigmatize mental health, this coffee-chat-style conversation offers hope and actionable insights.

Key Takeaways from "Mental Health Realities for Elite Athletes with Courtney Messina"

• Common struggles: Injuries, identity loss, and the relentless pressure to perform flawlessly.
• APN’s Elite Athletes Program: Residential care to virtual IOP, serving NFL players and expanding to other sports.
• Strategies: Reframing identity beyond sport, building resilience, and normalizing help-seeking behaviors.
• Society’s role: Prioritizing mental health as integral to overall health and reducing stigma.
• Sleep matters: How rest boosts focus, mood, and emotional regulation for peak performance.
• Injury impact: The loneliness and body image shifts that amplify mental health challenges.

More about Courtney Messina:
Courtney Messina, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, is the Senior Director for Outpatient Clinical Operations at All Points North, leveraging extensive experience in clinical leadership and behavioral health services.

After earning a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Mississippi and a master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler, Courtney has had the opportunity to work in various settings including community mental health, corrections and inpatient and outpatient facilities treating clients with co-occurring disorders.

Beyond her pursuits at All Points North and as a former Division I athlete at Ole Miss, Courtney is very passionate about working with the Athlete population. She is a visiting senior therapist for the Athletics Department at Texas Christian University and is listed in The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry.

Courtney has been featured in several media outlets, including Treatment Magazine, the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network, The Dallas Morning News, and Genesis the Podcast.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Courtney Messina: LinkedIn | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “Mental Health Realities for Elite Athletes with Courtney Messina”:

• Mental Strength with Dr. Brook Choulet
• The Intersection of Sports Psychiatry and Performance with Dr. Wilsa Charles Malveaux
• Understanding Athlete Identity with Kim Brady

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. This is the third installment of our three-part series with The True Athlete Project. Lisa is joined by Reem Abdalazem, a two-time Olympian in artistic swimming for Egypt (2008 Beijing and 2012 London). Reem is a World Aquatics-certified expert coach and a former collegiate All-American at Lindenwood University, where she captained the team to its first national championship. With over a decade of coaching experience, Reem has led teams to consecutive titles, coached the U.S. Senior National Team and South Africa’s duet to the Tokyo Olympics, and earned the first international Coach of the Year award in the USA. In this episode, Reem shares her journey from athlete to coach, her coaching philosophy of "impact over titles," and how she fosters mental well-being and resilience in athletes across cultures.

Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Coaching with Impact and Mindfulness with Reem Abdalazem”

• Reem’s Olympic journey: From representing Egypt to finding purpose beyond medals.
• Artistic swimming explained: A blend of athleticism, artistry, and teamwork.
• Transition to coaching: How a key mentor sparked her passion for holistic development.
• Coaching philosophy: Prioritizing impact, well-being, and success without trauma.
• Tips for coaches and athletes: Building self-awareness and empowering growth.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Reem Abdalazem: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “The True Athlete Project Series: Coaching with Impact and Mindfulness with Reem Abdalazem”:

• The True Athlete Project Series: Building a Compassionate World Through Sport with Sam Parfitt
• The True Athlete Project Series: Embracing Identity and Purpose with Oz Marginean
• Charlie Swanson | This Olympic Gold Medalist's Persistence in the Pool

 Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

Welcome the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. This is part two of our three-part series with The True Athlete Project. Lisa chats with Sam Parfitt, the CEO and founder of The True Athlete Project. Sam is a former NCAA Division I tennis player, a coach, and a mindfulness teacher. He holds a Master’s in Science in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development from the University of Edinburgh

In this episode, Sam shares his story of loving tennis as a kid, only to see it turn cold and destructive. This inspired him to use mindfulness to improve performance, support mental health, and build a kinder sports culture. He also discusses techniques like mindful walking and body scans that his organization uses to help athletes.

Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Building a Compassionate World Through Sport with Sam Parfitt”

• Sam’s personal story: How the joy of sport turned cold and destructive, sparking his mission.
• The role of mindfulness in performance, well-being, and building compassionate communities.
• Overcoming the “old school” mentality: Making mental fitness accessible and relevant.
• Favorite mindfulness practices for athletes: Mindful walking and body scans.
• The True Athlete Project’s mission to revolutionize sport for individuals and society.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Sam Parfitt: LinkedIn | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “The True Athlete Project Series: Building a Compassionate World Through Sport with Sam Parfitt”:

• The True Athlete Project Series: Embracing Identity and Purpose with Oz Marginean
• Embracing Grief and Building Community with Myra Sack
• AthMindset | Sport Social Work with Dr. Stacy Kratz

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of the Athlete Mindset Podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, speaks with Oz Marginean, former NCAA D1 athlete, professional basketball player, and Head of Community at The True Athlete Project. They discuss the complexities of athlete identity, transitioning out of sport, and the power of mindfulness, playful movement, and creativity in athletic development. As part of the True Athlete Project Series, Oz shares her journey of overcoming performance anxiety, finding purpose beyond basketball, and redefining success and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Embracing Identity and Purpose with Oz Marginean”

• The importance of exploring other identities while still playing sports to ease the transition process and prevent identity crises post-retirement.
• Performance anxiety and burnout are common challenges, especially when tied to perfectionism and external validation.
• Mindfulness and playful movement can enhance body awareness, presence, and connection, helping athletes find balance and reduce anxiety.
• Creativity and identity exploration beyond sports are essential for holistic well-being and personal growth.
• Building relationships outside the athletic bubble helps in developing a well-rounded identity and support system.
• Starting the transition process while actively playing, including exploring values, passions, and relationships, leads to a healthier adjustment.
• The True Athlete Project integrates mindfulness, creativity, and social responsibility to create a compassionate and holistic sport culture.

For more on Oz Marginean and The True Athlete Project, visit: thetrueathleteproject.org

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Oz Marginean: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X | TikTok

Related content to “The True Athlete Project Series: Embracing Identity and Purpose with Oz Marginean”:

• Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O’Connor
• Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution
• NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter
• Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today
• The NBA Media Rights Deal Details & What It Means for Fans

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with Brady Howe, an applied performance coach, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Director of Sport Medicine at Grand Canyon University. Brady brings a wealth of knowledge from over a decade in the NBA, including his role as Vice President of Health and Performance for the Phoenix Suns. They dive into his unique approach to athlete care, the integration of mental performance, and the evolving importance of mental health in sports.

Key Takeaways from “Brady Howe | Integrating Mental Performance in Sports Medicine”

• Evolving Athletic Care Models
• The Critical Role of Athletic Trainers
• Mental Performance Integration
• Bridging the Gap in Mental Health
• Future of Mental Performance in Sports
• Collaboration and Referral Pathways

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Brady Howe: GCU | LinkedIn | X
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “Brady Howe | Integrating Mental Performance in Sports Medicine”:

• Kenny Dillingham and the Rising Sun of Arizona State Football
• Calm Amid the Chaos: Finding Stillness When Life Speeds Up
• Gordon Hayward | Life After the NBA & Youth Sports Reform

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with NFL veteran Dominique Easley. They discuss his journey from growing up in the projects of New York to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick, a Super Bowl champion, and eventually creating The Easley Foundation to support student-athletes in underserved and vulnerable populations. Dominique opens up about battling injuries, navigating opioid use, shifting his identity beyond football, and finding purpose in helping others.

Key Takeaways from “Dominique Easley | NFL Veteran Championing Student-Athletes in Underserved Communities”

• Growing up in an underserved community and facing early challenges
• Battling injuries, chronic pain, and the complexity of pain management in pro sports
• Searching for identity and purpose outside of football
• Understanding the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and self-awareness
• Guiding and mentoring future generations
• Launching The Easley Foundation to support student-athletes, especially those from underserved backgrounds

For more on Dominique and The Easley Foundation, visit: www.easleyfoundation.org

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Dom Easley: Instagram
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “Dominique Easley | NFL Veteran Championing Student-Athletes in Underserved Communities”:

• Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today
• Empowering Women in Soccer with Grace Ahrens
• Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, sits down with Dr. Kweku Akyireefi Amoasi, Chief Wellness Officer for Blaquesmith Psychological Consultation and psychological services provider for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Dr. Amoasi shares his professional journey from working in correctional facilities to becoming a sports psychologist for the Milwaukee Bucks and Team USA at the Olympics. They discuss the intersection of mental health and performance, navigating ethical dilemmas in sports psychology, and the importance of self-care for athletes and practitioners. This conversation provides powerful insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of mental health in the sports world.

Key Takeaways from "Inside the Minds of Team USA with Dr. Kweku Amoasi, Sport Psychologist"

• Dr. Amoasi’s role as a psychological services provider for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
• The challenges and rewards of working with diverse athletic populations, from high school teams to professional and Olympic athletes.
• Balancing clinical and performance psychology while maintaining ethical boundaries.
• Insights on addressing race, identity, and cultural challenges in sports psychology.
• The evolution of mental health awareness and how it’s perceived in sports.
• Practical strategies for self-care and resilience for athletes and mental health professionals.

Resources Mentioned in "Inside the Minds of Team USA with Dr. Kweku Amoasi, Sport Psychologist"

• Blaquesmith Psychological Consultation
• United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Mental Health Services
• Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• “Race Matters” by Cornel West
• “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Dr. Kweku Amoasi: LinkedIn | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “Inside the Minds of Team USA with Dr. Kweku Amoasi, Sport Psychologist”:

• NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter
• Mental Health Challenges in Youth Sports | The Hidden Struggle
• Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being for athletes, teams, and coaches. Together, they explore the power of resilience, leadership, and culture change in sports psychology, and discuss how mental health and performance are interwoven in today’s sports landscape.

Dr. Gunter highlights how the NBA & WNBA Mind Health program is working to shift the conversation around mental health from stigmatization to normalization, ensuring that athletes are supported holistically on and off the court. She also shares insights into injury recovery, mental resilience, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of well-being within teams.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Kensa Gunter:

• Dr. Gunter is the Director of NBA & WNBA Mind Health, which supports athletes’ mental health and performance.
• How resilience and mental performance contribute to athletic excellence.
• The connection between mental and physical health in injury recovery and performance.
• The evolving landscape of mental health awareness in professional sports.
• The power of leadership in driving culture change and prioritizing athlete well-being.
• Practical mental performance tools like visualization and self-talk to enhance focus and resilience.

Resources Mentioned:

• NBA & WNBA Mind Health | Program Website
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line

Credits:

Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community

Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Dr. Kensa Gunter: LinkedIn | Website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter”:

• Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment
• The NBA Media Rights Deal Details & What It Means for Fans
• Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution
• NFL and Mental Health

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot