Learn how five practical mental skills can help athletes refocus after mistakes, manage pressure, and perform with greater confidence. Strike Zone Performance offers mental performance coaching with Ashley Strike, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant serving athletes in Ottawa, ON, Toronto, ON, and through online coaching sessions.
“I’ve been immersed in sport for as long as I can remember. Like many athletes, I was introduced early—starting in figure skating before finding my way to hockey at age nine. I played boys’ hockey until I was 13, eventually transitioning into competitive girls’ hockey. As a shorter athlete, I constantly felt the need to prove myself. That mindset shaped me into a relentless worker, always striving to be the hardest-working player on the ice—but it also led to a habit of focusing only on what I lacked, rather than what I was doing well.
Looking for a new challenge, I made the transition to rugby. I was drawn to the sport’s inclusivity and the way it celebrates different body types and skill sets. It felt like an opportunity to unlock a new version of myself. However, I quickly realized that my biggest obstacle wasn’t the sport—it was my mindset. Perfectionism, self-doubt, and harsh self-criticism followed me, often showing up most intensely in competition. While I performed confidently in practice, game situations triggered doubt and negative self-talk that held me back.
Eventually, I reached a turning point. I recognized that my internal dialogue was limiting my potential, and I made the decision to address it. In my second year, I began working with a sport psychology student who helped me identify the mental barriers I had created. That experience was transformative. I learned how to reframe my thinking, let go of mistakes, and compete with freedom and confidence. For the first time, I was playing the way I knew I was capable of.
That shift didn’t just change how I felt—it changed my performance. During my university career, our team went from a fourth-place finish to winning the RESEQ championship twice and competing at Nationals. I was also selected to the Quebec Provincial Women’s Rugby Program, where I competed for ten years alongside athletes who went on to represent Canada. None of that would have been possible without investing in my mental development.
One of the most valuable lessons rugby taught me was adaptability. In one season, I played multiple positions to meet the needs of the team. That experience challenged me to put ego aside, embrace versatility, and deepen my understanding of the game. What once felt like weaknesses—my attention to detail and critical mindset—became strengths when applied constructively. I learned to stay present, trust my abilities, and respond effectively to whatever the game demanded.
Today, that journey fuels my passion for helping other athletes. I know firsthand how powerful mindset can be—not just in performance, but in personal growth. I work with athletes to develop self-awareness, build confidence, and navigate the challenges that come with high-level sport. Because ultimately, it’s not just about talent—it’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way.”
Verified by Trustindex