How to Mentally Prepare for Tryouts

As a new sports season begins and tryouts approach, I’ve been hearing from parents, coaches, teams, and athletes who are looking for support on how to mentally prepare. With hockey tryouts, WHL camps, and all the pressure that comes with them just around the corner—and as both a hockey mom and a coach myself—I understand how important the mental game is. I want to share some insights and strategies that I have used as an elite athlete, coach, and mental health professional who works with athletes that can help athletes not only perform at their best during tryouts, but also enjoy the process and grow through the experience.