Episode 77: Season 5: In Conversation... with Emily Tillman What you need to know about Mental Performance for coaches and young athletes

The Pro Player Soccer Podcast | Emily Tillman – Unlocking Elite Performance Through the MindWhat separates good players from great players? Is it talent, physical ability, or something much deeper?In this episode of The Pro Player Soccer Podcast, host David Gough sits down with Emily Tillman, founder of Body Mind Performance, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UEFA B Licensed coach, and performance specialist whose work bridges sports psychology, coaching, and athletic development. Emily has built her career around helping athletes maximize their potential by developing not only stronger bodies, but stronger minds.Drawing from her experience in elite soccer environments across the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as her graduate education in sport psychology from Liverpool John Moores University, Emily shares why mental performance is no longer optional for athletes striving to compete at the highest level. Her research has focused on the professionalization of women's football and how it influences coaching philosophy, giving her a unique perspective on player development in today's game.Throughout the conversation, we explore what it truly means to train the complete athlete. Emily discusses the importance of confidence, resilience, communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and creating habits that translate into consistent performance on the field. Whether you're a youth player chasing your first college opportunity, a professional looking for the next competitive edge, or a coach trying to build stronger athletes, this episode delivers practical insights that apply at every level of the game.Body Mind Performance was created with the belief that elite performance starts long before kickoff. Success is built through intentional preparation, quality coaching, physical readiness, and a mindset capable of handling pressure, adversity, and the demands of competition. Emily's holistic approach has helped athletes develop the confidence and mental tools needed to perform when it matters most.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why mindset is one of the biggest competitive advantages in soccer. • How mental performance training impacts confidence and consistency. • The connection between physical preparation and psychological readiness. • Practical strategies for handling pressure, setbacks, and adversity. • What coaches can do to create environments where athletes thrive. • Why long-term development is more important than chasing short-term results.Whether you're striving to earn a scholarship, break into the professional game, or simply become the best version of yourself as a player, this conversation offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond the soccer field.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Pro Player Soccer Podcast, leave a five-star review, and share this conversation with teammates, coaches, and anyone passionate about soccer development. Every episode is dedicated to bringing you conversations with top professionals, coaches, athletes, and performance experts who are shaping the future of the beautiful game.Connect with Emily Tillman & Body Mind PerformanceLinkedIn: Emily TillmanBody Mind PerformanceFollow The Pro Player Soccer Podcast Subscribe for weekly conversations featuring professional players, coaches, performance experts, and industry leaders, all focused on helping you elevate your game on and off the field.