Erin Ayala: The Accidental Sports Psychologist

The Accidental Sports Psychologist: Erin Ayala’s Unconventional Path to Elite PerformanceWhat happens when a self-described mediocre JV athlete accidentally stumbles into sports psychology and discovers it’s exactly where she belongs? Erin Ayala, founder of Skadi Sports Psychology, has built a practice around the athletes who don’t see themselves in traditional sports performance spaces - and her approach is changing what mental fitness looks like.In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with his office neighbor Erin to explore how her own endurance athletic career shapes her work with athletes, why the “leave it at the door” approach to life stress is a myth, and what parents are getting wrong about the car ride home.Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers a refreshingly honest look at what mental fitness actually requires.Connect with Erin:Practice: Skadi Sports PsychologyWebsite: https://www.skadisportpsychology.com/The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on mental performance, athlete development, and building sustainable athletic careers.