The Focused Athlete
The Focused Athlete
Sarah Kivel
It takes more than just technical skills and expertise to be a high performing athlete or coach. It takes being able to identify and understand how your emotions affect your performance. Sarah Kivel, Emotional Intelligence Executive Coach and Founder of eiFOCUS™, interviews elite coaches, athletes and leaders in organizations, to learn how they use their emotions to help them succeed in their sport (and in their life). Each episode contains tools on how you can learn to become more focused and present so that you can begin to let your emotions work for you instead of against you.
S2 Episode 4: Resilience, selflessness and the path to MNTL VZN with Jazlen Green
In this episode, former Division I athlete and founder of MNTL VZN, Jazlen Green, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from high school basketball setbacks to competing at UC Berkeley and earning her master’s at San Diego State. Jazlen opens up about her experience with mental health, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of selflessness in emotional intelligence. She also discusses the work she’s doing to bring mental health awareness and resources into schools and communities, ...
Sep 5, 2025
32 min
S2 Episode 3: Coaching the whole athlete and supporting the parent journey with Warner Athletics
In this episode, we talk to Melissa Warner and Steph Beall, longtime coaches and co-owners of Warner Athletics. Melissa and Steph talk about blending technical on-field training with the mental side of the game, and how emotional intelligence has helped them build stronger connections with their athletes. They share how creating personal mission statements, leading with values, and focusing on whole-person development have shaped their coaching philosophy. They also discuss their focus on par...
Jul 25, 2025
23 min
S2 Episode 2: Establishing team values and embracing adversity with Tracy Joyner
In this episode, Sarah talks with Tracy Joyner, head coach of University of Oregon women’s soccer. Tracy shares her philosophy on leadership, the power of team values, and how consistency in everything you do leads to success. She also opens up about emotional intelligence, embracing adversity, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game.
Mar 21, 2025
17 min
S2 Episode 1: Being Your Authentic Self and an Empathetic Leader with Danette Leighton
In this episode, we talk to Danette Leighton, 30-year sports industry and corporate executive with experience serving both men’s and women’s professional and collegiate sports leagues and teams, as well as current CEO of the Women's Sports Foundation. Danette talks about being her authentic self and balancing her emotions throughout high level roles. She talks about how being an empathetic leader, being okay with making mistakes and not being afraid to say sorry has helped her within these ro...
Feb 20, 2025
18 min
Episode 16:  Managing obstacles and emotional control with Michelle Brown
In this episode, we talk to Michelle Brown, Second Degree Black Belt, Bok Fu Do and CEO Gumsaba Fitness and Hit with Power. Michelle talks about how martial arts has impacted her as a leader and athlete. She talks about the importance of emotional control and managing obstacles…
Dec 22, 2021
18 min
Episode 15:  Body love and awareness for peak performance with Shayna Hammond
In this episode, we talk to Shayna Hammond, gymnast, collegiate softball player and CEO. Shayna talks about being in tune with her body and the importance of body love. She talks about the importance of being able to express and release emotions in order to have control over what happens next…
Dec 8, 2021
21 min
Episode 14:  Role modeling and leadership performance with Karima Wesselhoft.
In this episode we talk with Karima Wesselhoft. Karima is a leader in Education and she was a collegiate softball player. Karima talks about the importance of role modeling, self awareness, and connecting with others…
Nov 24, 2021
21 min
Episode 13: The power of kindness with Justine Siegal.
In this episode, we talk to Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach in Major League Baseball. Justine talks about what it's like being a female coach in a men’s league, She talks about the power of kindness, the importance of self care and family time.
Nov 10, 2021
21 min
Episode 12:  The goalie's experience on managing stress and pressure with Madison Davis
In this episode we talk to D1 Loyola Marymount University women’s water polo goalie, Madison Davis. Madison talks about what it’s like to be a goalie, she shares tools on how to manage the pressure and stress that come with being a goalie…
Oct 27, 2021
26 min
Episode 11:  Overcoming fear with Geeta Anand
In this episode we talk with Geeta Anand, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Author, Dean of UC Berkeley Journalism, and National swimming champion! Geeta talks about how sports have helped her to where she is today. She talks about overcoming fear and the importance of enjoying what you do…
Oct 13, 2021
14 min
Load more