Meet Marisa Elbers | High Performance Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marisa Elbers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Despite the growing recognition of mental health, a stigma still surrounds anything ‘mental’—making it hard to showcase the real work being done. Top athletes and professional teams rely on mental performance coaches, but it’s not something you often see or hear about or seen on display on social media. Yet, it’s an integral part of elite programs. Athletes and coaches face immense pressure, so why overlook the most critical aspect of performance—the mind? Mental skills are a game changer, and it’s time we elevate their importance in the sports world, starting with the youth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a high-performance coach specializing in sport psychology and yoga, I empower athletes to perform at their best. My business is built to help athletes boost confidence, sharpen focus, and cultivate elite habits. Through yoga and meditation, I introduce mindfulness to help athletes manage pressure, stress, anxiety, and setbacks while also keeping their bodies healthy.

I entered this field after a life-altering injury that, as an athlete, was the hardest challenge I ever faced. I know firsthand the struggles athletes endure, and I’ve dedicated my business to helping them and their teams navigate those challenges.

It hasn’t been easy integrating mental skills and yoga into youth sports. With limited budgets and no dedicated roles in high schools, club teams, or most colleges, I’ve had to educate teams and parents on the transformative impact this work has on athletes’ lives. Practicing what I preach—building relationships, leading by example—has been key to my success.

I have the privilege of changing lives, and that’s something I will never take for granted. Helping and teaching others is my true purpose, and I love every moment of it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having an amazing time in San Diego is effortless! Depending on the season, catching a Padres game or any professional sporting event at Snapdragon is a must. For food and drinks, I’d hit the Gaslamp on a weekend, have dinner at C Level at some point, explore Little Italy or find a spot for some incredible sushi. A sunset walk at Sunset Cliffs is non-negotiable, and hiking Torrey Pines for those stunning views is always a great choice. Pacific Beach, my first home here, has beautiful views and fun daytime spots. A Harbor Cruise or renting a boat in the bay adds a touch of adventure, and no visit is complete without a stop at Coronado Island. Honestly, I could go on forever about this city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have received support, encouragement, and mentorship from so many people on this journey. From my grad school cohort to friends, family, clients, their parents, coaches, and athletic trainers I’ve worked with—the list is too long to name. I wasn’t fully prepared for the challenges of owning a small business, but every person I’ve encountered has played a role in keeping me on this path. Thanks to them, I’m still here, more driven than ever, to help as many athletes as I can!

Instagram: @mentalskillstraining

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisaelbers/

Twitter: @marisaelbers

Youtube: @mentalskillstraining

Image Credits
Randy Evans, Kylie Minamishin. Jacob Hayes. Marisa Elbers 🙂