Ithaca College Athletics

A mentally tough and resilient athlete is one who approaches competition with energy, passion, and enthusiasm . . .  yet remains calm and composed.  One who is self-aware and realistic about the current situation . . . yet remains positive and in control of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  And one who is completely aware of what is going on in the sporting environment . . . yet remains focused on only those cues that are important to completing the immediate task.  Mental toughness is about learning to control one’s body (response to stress and anxiety), control one’s mind (thoughts, talk, and expectations), and control one’s focus and attention (to relevant and controllable cues).   Ithaca College student-athletes are encouraged and challenged to develop, manage, and improve all three aspects of their performance as they improve confidence, mental toughness, and resiliency.  In short, athletes have access to mental training skills that promote the following (Shelley, 2019): 
 

1. Preparing one’s body (learning to manage stress, anxiety, and muscle tension) . . .  
2. Training one’s mind (learning to manage thoughts, self-talk, expectations, and images) . . .
3. Sharpening one’s focus (learning to manage relevant and controllable performance cues).