Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - January 2026

14 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 Deirdre Donovan is a sports management student at Keiser University. She is currently pursuing both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Sport Management. As a dedicated college athlete, she is passionate about combining her athletic experience with her education to make an impact in the sports industry. confident mindset. Goal setting using SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals gives athletes direction and motivation, helping them track progress through process, performance, and outcome goals. Another core element is managing internal thoughts or emotions. Positive self-talk allows athletes to reframe doubt and fatigue into motivation, while arousal regulation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or relaxation exercises help control stress and channel energy productively. The most successful athletes and teams integrate these mental skills into daily training, treating mental preparation as equally important as physical conditioning. This consistent practice builds confidence, focus, and resilience, which are key ingredients for peak performance. CHALLENGES Despite growing awareness, several barriers remain. Many athletes still view sports psychology as something only for those who are struggling or “mentally weak.” Others think it’s a luxury reserved for professionals. In reality, every athlete—elite or amateur— faces mental battles like anxiety, burnout, or loss of confidence. Accessibility is another challenge. Smaller programs may lack certified sports psychologists, leaving athletes to rely on self-guided techniques or online resources. Furthermore, not all methods work for everyone. Individual differences mean that athletes need flexibility to find what fits their mindset and sport. THE FUTURE Looking ahead, mental training is becoming more technologically advanced and inclusive. Apps, wearable biofeedback devices, and virtual reality programs now allow athletes to monitor and improve focus in real time. Collaborations among coaches, psychologists, and sports scientists is also growing, creating more holistic support systems. Perhaps most importantly, cultural attitudes are shifting. More athletes are openly discussing mental health and the value of psychological preparation. The idea that “mind training” is as essential as strength training is no longer groundbreaking; it is the future.