3-Year Engagement with the U.S. Women’s National & Olympic Ice Hockey Team.
Time Period:
1-week annually at The Four Nations Cup
1-week annually at Pre-Worlds Training Camp
2-weeks annually at The World Championships
1-week annually at Summer Training Camp
5-weeks during Olympic competition
Audience:
23-40 national team athletes (depending on location)
3 coaches
4 support staff members
1 general manager
Summary of Services Provided:
Overview
Following the team’s disappointing result at the 2006 Winter Olympics, I was charged by USA Hockey with creating a new team culture that emphasized holistic health and success.
Mindfulness Training and Team-Building
Over the course of the ensuing three years, I introduced the team to mindfulness theory and practice, provided a robust and pedagogically varied menu of team-building experiences, motivational talks, rigorous and progressive dynamics analyses, holistic health education, yoga instruction, visualization techniques, guided muscle relaxation sessions, and individualized counseling sessions for coaches and athletes.
International Ambassador Training
Prior to each international event, the team received a comprehensive introduction to the culture, history, and environment of the country to which we were traveling and information relevant to our travel itinerary. Athletes were trained to conduct themselves professionally and in a manner consistent with the cultural norms of the countries we visited.
Leadership Development
After establishing a healthy team culture, I began facilitating workshops and presentations on citizen-leadership, conflict resolution, and stages of team development.
Motivational Team Highlight Films
From the film and photo footage I accumulated while traveling and working with the team, I produced behind-the-scenes motivational documentary films that were employed during structured team-building exercises.
Sports Massage and Body-Centered Psychotherapy
When traveling with the team, I provided individualized body-centered psychotherapy sessions during which we addressed matters of personal and professional concern.
Testimonials
To hear from athletes and coaches about the successful implementation of this program, click here.
