How Did Former NWHL Player Danielle McDonough Master the Mental Game

In this episode of "Spirit of an Athlete," host Amanda Smith interviews Danielle McDonough, a former Division One and NWHL hockey player turned mindset coach. Danielle shares her journey from playing on boys' teams in Southern California to her collegiate and professional hockey career. They discuss the challenges of the recruitment process, the importance of mental resilience in sports, and Danielle's transition to mindset coaching. Danielle emphasizes the significance of mental skills training and introduces her book, which aims to help athletes strengthen their mental game. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of sports and the critical role of mental health.Connect with Danielle:Free eBook link:https://dl.bookfunnel.com/a9udvj6bzhAmazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMT2NXCMIG: @Danielle__McDonough (two underscores in between)FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredathlete/Email: [email protected]: https://www.ocppt.comFree Confidence Booster Checklist: https://www.ocppt.com/confidenceboosterchecklist"Time Stamps: Danielle's Early Hockey Journey (00:01:39): Danielle shares her beginnings in hockey, which were influenced by her Canadian parents and her experiences on boys' teams.Transition to Girls' Hockey (00:02:14) She talks about the challenges of playing with boys and the formation of a girls' hockey team in California.Recruitment Process (00:03:35) Danielle describes being recruited for college hockey, her choice of Providence College, and her experiences as a captain.Playing Professionally (00:04:36) She discusses her transition to the NWHL and her time playing in Switzerland before retiring from professional play.Pursuing Education (00:05:35) After retiring, Danielle pursued a master's degree in sport and exercise psychology, focusing on athletes' mental performance. Mindset Coaching (00:06:38) Danielle explains her work as a mindset coach, helping athletes overcome mental barriers to excel in sports. Psychosocial Challenges (00:07:49) Danielle shares a humorous yet uncomfortable locker room experience highlighting her psychosocial challenges.  Transitioning from Hockey (00:21:58) Discuss the challenges faced when transitioning from competitive hockey to life after sports at age 26. Emotional Decisions in Sports (00:23:05) Danielle reflects on the emotional impact of leaving professional hockey after a successful season.Finding a New Path (00:26:33): Danielle talks about searching for a new career in sports psychology and the support she has received from her family.Working with Young Athletes (00:37:44) Danielle shares her experiences coaching mental skills to younger athletes and preparing them for challenges.Teaching Breathing Techniques (00:40:49) She emphasizes the importance of teaching diaphragmatic breathing to athletes for immediate impact and stress management.Mental Health Awareness in Sports (00:43:07) The speakers emphasize the need for more support and tools for athletes' mental health.Family Membership Program (00:47:32) Danielle introduces her new family membership program, which is aimed at supporting both athletes and their parents.--Watch Cosmic Body Shenanigans Podcast on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Amanda.G.SmithFacebook: Body Whisper HealingPinterest: AmandaGSmithBWH LinkedIn: Amanda (Ritchie) SmithTake the Cosmic Sensitive Quiz to find out what stresses you out most and why. It's fun, it's free, and it's only 7 easy questions. https://www.cosmicsensitivequiz.com/