Members of the Clyde A. Erwin High School Track and Field team recently learned that success in sports isn’t just about physical training- it’s also about strengthening the mind.
Marisa Romeo, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with a doctorate in sport and performance psychology, spoke to the team about developing mental skills that support both performance and personal growth. Drawing on her experience as an elite ultrarunner who competes in races up to 100 miles, Dr. Romeo shared strategies athletes can use to manage pressure, overcome self-doubt, and stay focused during competition.
“A lot of people think you’re born mentally tough, but there are real skills and techniques you can train to develop that mental strength,” she said. “When you want to get stronger physically, you lift weights or practice your sport. Training your brain works the same way. You can build those mental muscles.”
During the session, athletes explored how thoughts influence performance and learned practical tools such as productive self-talk, identifying “thinking traps,” and the “Notice, Label, Redirect” technique for handling negative thoughts.
By practicing mental skills alongside their physical training, athletes can build confidence, stay present in competition, and perform at their best, said Chad Prevatte, JROTC instructor and track & field coach.
“We want our athletes to be strong physically and mentally,” he said. “Learning these mental performance skills can make a big difference both in competition and in life.”
