The Story Behind Smart
Smart Mental Performance Coaching was inspired by two women who have shaped the way I see sports, strength, growth, and what it means to support the people around you: my mom, Kerry, and Candice, a woman who became a second mom to me.
Long before I knew the term mental performance, I was watching it happen.
My First Mental Performance Coach
My mom was a college cross country coach throughout my childhood. I grew up watching her believe in her athletes, challenge them to believe in themselves, and inspire them to chase goals they weren't always sure they could reach.
I didn't have the words for it then, but my mom was giving me my first glimpse into the power of the mental side of sport.
Before every race, she would tell her runners:
“Let's go have some fun.”
It was her reminder that even when the pressure was high and the competition was tough, they were lucky to be out there doing something they loved. Over time, those words became her trademark—and eventually, they became mine.
She would say them to me before my any competition or performance, or anytime I was nervous and my confidence faltered. When I got to college, I started writing “Let's go have some fun” on my wrist before lacrosse games. Even today, those words are something I carry with me, both in sport and in everyday life.
They remind me that performance doesn't have to be about fear, perfection, or proving yourself. You can work hard, care deeply, compete fiercely, and still enjoy the experience.
Candice
Then there was Candice.
Candice came into my life because our families lived in the same neighborhood and our parents became instant friends. Over time, our families became one big family, and her children became like my siblings.
She was also a collegiate volleyball coach and one of the strongest women in sports I have ever known.
Candice challenged me to constantly push myself—to become stronger, to believe in myself, and to strive to be the best version of myself I could be. She was tough, strong, and fierce, but somehow she could make you feel more loved and supported than anyone else in the room.
She showed me that strength and compassion aren't opposites. You can challenge someone to grow while making them feel completely supported along the way.
Candice passed away three years ago, but the impact she had on me continues to shape who I am and the work I do.
Why the Dragonfly
The dragonfly was Candice's symbol.
When I created Smart Mental Performance Coaching, I knew I wanted the dragonfly to be part of the logo. It is a small reminder of the person who taught me so much about strength, growth, and the power of believing in yourself.
And alongside it are the words my mom gave me:
“Let's go have some fun.”
Together, these two pieces represent the foundation of Smart Mental Performance.
My mom taught me to enjoy the process.
Candice taught me to embrace strength and growth.
Both taught me the importance of believing in people and helping them become the strongest version of themselves.
That is what I hope to bring to every athlete and team I work with.
Mental performance isn't just about performing better. It's about helping people build the confidence, resilience, connection, and mindset to grow through whatever they encounter—and learning to enjoy the journey along the way.
Smart Mental Performance is built on the lessons these two incredible women gave me.
Two Women. Two Lessons. One Philosophy.
