08/05/2026
If you're heading to USA Gymnastics National Congress this week, make sure to check out the sessions from Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Gymnastics Medicine board member, Ariana LeBlanc, Saturday at 1:15pm and Sunday at 9:30am
The Unseen Injury: Mental Health and the Athlete’s Comeback: We'll take a deep dive into the psychological trauma and emotional challenges inherent in an athlete’s journey from injury to return to play. It positions the mental impact of injury—grief, identity loss, fear, and pressure—as the “unseen injury” that often dictates the speed and success of a physical recovery.
Coaches Have Inner Critics, Too: Managing Performance Anxiety as a Professional
This session addressed a seldom-discussed but critical topic: the performance anxiety and inner self-criticism experienced by coaches, drawing a direct parallel between the mental worlds of athletes and their mentors. The lecture provided a safe space and "permission to admit" that professionals in high-stakes roles experience similar pressures to their athletes.
Key topics explored the manifestations of this anxiety, including intense self-criticism after meets and the pervasive fear of being judged by parents, gym owners, or competitors. The session also examined how traits like perfectionism in coaching technique can be a double-edged sword, leading to burnout and rigidity. The core of the lecture centered on providing concrete tools to shift from debilitating self-judgment to a growth-oriented mindset. Ultimately, the session demonstrated a powerful connection: effective management of a coach's own inner critic directly improves the overall performance and psychological safety of their athletes.
Let Ariana know in the comments if you'll see her there!
