Who Am I

Hi, I’m Gabs Smart, the founder of Smart Mental Performance Coaching. I’m passionate about helping athletes and teams strengthen the mental side of their game so they can build confidence, navigate challenges, embrace growth, and enjoy the process along the way.

I played Division III lacrosse at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, serving as team captain my senior year. Being an athlete taught me that success is about much more than physical ability. It is also about how we think, respond to challenges, communicate with others, and show up when things don't go according to plan.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Wheaton College before continuing my education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where I will graduate with my master’s degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior in December 2026.

I have had the opportunity to work with different collegiate athletic teams as a mental performance coach. These experiences have reinforced my belief that mental performance is not one-size-fits-all. Every athlete and team has different strengths, challenges, goals, and experiences, and I believe the best work happens when we collaborate to find strategies that work for them.

What I love most about mental performance is that it combines some of my favorite things: sports, collaboration, creativity, and growth. I love helping athletes discover that the mental side of performance is something they can actively develop and train—just like any physical skill.

My approach is positive, collaborative, creative, and, most importantly, fun. I want athletes to feel supported and challenged while developing practical mental skills they can use in competition and throughout their lives.

I am currently working toward completing the requirements for my Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential and am based in the Massachusetts and Maine area, primarily serving the Boston area.

I believe some of our toughest competition isn't always the opponent across from us—it's what's happening between our ears. My goal is to help athletes train their minds to work for them, not against them, so they can perform with confidence, grow through challenges, and enjoy the journey along the way.