In the latest episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, host Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Casey Thomann, a 3-star offensive lineman recruit who has helped lead the Olney Tigers from a winless season to an undefeated record. This remarkable turnaround isn't just about physical prowess - it's a testament to the power of mental toughness and the right mindset.The Power of Mental Coaching in High School AthleticsCasey, standing at an impressive 6'7" and 315 pounds, isn't just a physical force on the field. He's also a shining example of how mental coaching can elevate an athlete's game. As a client of Mental Mettle Coaching, Casey has learned valuable tools to enhance his performance:

  1. Embodiment Techniques: Casey discusses how he's learned to tap into his physical emotions, both positive and negative. This awareness allows him to better manage stress and boost confidence on the field.
  2. Visualization: By practicing visualization techniques, Casey has found ways to ease anxiety and prepare for high-pressure situations more effectively.
  3. Maintaining Focus During Recruitment: With offers from Power-5 schools like Illinois and Iowa, Casey shares how he stays grounded amidst the whirlwind of college visits and recruitment activities.

Watch the Mental Mettle Podcast episode with Casey here.

Transforming Team Culture

The Olney Tigers' journey from a 0-9 season to their current undefeated status is a powerful example of how mental toughness can transform a team's performance. Casey attributes much of this success to a shift in team mentality, highlighting the importance of a positive team culture in athletics.

Lessons for Athletes and Coaches

This episode offers valuable takeaways for athletes at all levels and their coaches:

  • Mental toughness is a skill that can be developed and improved
  • Combining physical training with mental preparation can lead to significant performance improvements
  • A positive team culture is crucial for turning around a struggling program

The Future of Mental Coaching in Sports

As Casey prepares for his college career, he plans to continue using the mental tools he's learned. This underscores the long-term value of mental coaching for athletes, extending beyond high school and into collegiate and potentially professional careers.Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast. Tune in to hear Casey's full story and gain insights that could transform your own athletic journey or coaching approach.Ready to elevate your mental game? Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann and start forging your own mental mettle today!

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 143. Skydiving into Sharks with Travis Thomas: Improv Tools for Athletes and Coaches
In Episode 143 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with performance coach, keynote speaker, and author Travis Thomas to explore a surprising idea: improv isn’t just for comedians—it might be one of the most powerful mental performance tools you’re not using yet.​
Episode 141: Shane Fisher USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 2)
Most people see the Olympics as a dream; very few see the invoice that comes with it. In Episode 141 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, “Shane Fisher – USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 2),” we go behind the highlight reels and into the financial and emotional reality of chasing an Olympic dream as a Team USA athlete.​
Episode 142: Zen & Grit: The Mental Game of Nordic Combined with USA Olympian Niklas Malacinski
In Episode 142 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, “Zen & Grit: The Mental Game of Nordic Combined,” we go inside a sport that asks one athlete to master two completely different Olympic events: the precise, millimeter-sensitive “zen” of ski jumping and the brutal, 20–27 minute “grit” of a 10k cross-country race.​
The Mental Pillar of Performance: Why Your Strongest Athletes Still Break Down Under Pressure
Every fourth winter, we celebrate the strongest, fastest, most technically gifted athletes on ice and snow, but the ones who stand out have trained something most people never see: their mind.
Episode 140: Shane Fisher USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 1)
Olympic dreams are usually built on highlight reels and podium shots. In Episode 140 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, “Shane Fisher – USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 1),” you meet the reality behind that picture: an elite athlete grinding in the shadows, building his mind as intentionally as his body, and working to lift up other underfunded Team USA athletes through the American Paragons Foundation.​
Episode 139: The Winning Edge with Morgan (Kane) Brons
Most athletes only learn mental toughness the hard way. In Episode 139 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, “The Winning Edge with Morgan (Kane) Brons,” you get a front-row seat to how one high-level athlete rewired her mindset—and why she’s now committed to helping the next generation do it sooner.​