More Than Skill
More Than Skill
Kara Frair
Mindset Wins: Lessons for Young Athletes from Pro Hockey GM Toni Will
51 minutes Posted Oct 1, 2025 at 4:01 am.
How do you build the mental toughness to lead—and to help athletes thrive—when the stakes are high? Toni Will, General Manager of a men’s professional hockey team and the first woman in her league to hold that role, joins Kara to share the mindset principles that determine success on and off the ice.In this conversation, Toni talks about:Breaking barriers as a woman in pro sports
Her Six Leadership Pillars for athletes, parents, and coaches
Building confidence and resilience in young players
Living alcohol-free for greater clarity and energy
Turning life’s “detours” into growth opportunities
Advice for parents and coaches
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How do you build the mental toughness to lead—and to help athletes thrive—when the stakes are high? Toni Will, General Manager of a men’s professional hockey team and the first woman in her league to hold that role, joins Kara to share the mindset principles that determine success on and off the ice.In this conversation, Toni talks about:Breaking barriers as a woman in pro sports (12:24)Her Six Leadership Pillars for athletes, parents, and coaches (26:52)Building confidence and resilience in young players (3:28)Living alcohol-free for greater clarity and energy (33:38)Turning life’s “detours” into growth opportunities (36:51)Advice for parents and coaches (44:40)Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, you’ll leave inspired to train the mind like a pro and create a winning culture in sports and life.Connect with Toni: toniwill.comKalamazoo WingsBooks mentioned on today's episode: 10x is Better Than 2xThe Anxious GenerationLoving What Is