Mental Health and Performance Support in Women's Soccer

Dr. Mariah Bullock — The Mind Behind Performance In this episode, Dr. Mariah Bullock joins Nicole Surdyka to explore the space where mental health meets mental performance. A former NWSL player turned clinical and sport psychologist for Seattle Reign FC, Dr. Bullock shares how her dual training allows her to support athletes through both the highs of competition and the challenges that come with it. Together they dive into what it means to protect athlete confidentiality while still collaborating with staff, how to build trust across multidisciplinary teams, and the most common mental performance hurdles seen in professional women's soccer — from confidence and communication to role clarity and perfectionism. In this episode: • The intersection of clinical and sport psychology in elite soccer • Navigating confidentiality and ethical communication with staff • Practical tools for managing performance anxiety and pre-game nerves • Helping athletes find purpose when playing time or roles shift • Post-match recovery, breathwork, and sleep strategies for high performers Dr. Bullock also reflects on her journey from Stanford to the pros, and why the relationships in women's soccer remain her favorite part of the game. Connect with Dr. Bullock on Instagram @dr.mariahbullock and drmariahbullock.com. Learn more about Femme Football Collective at femmefc.com and follow @femmefc on Instagram.