Embracing Grief and Building Community with Myra Sack

05/22/24 • 31 min

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii speaks with Myra Sack, an All-American scholar athlete and founder of E-Motion, a nonprofit supporting grieving individuals. Myra shares her journey through grief after losing her daughter, Havi, and discusses the importance of community, rituals, and emotional literacy. Learn how Myra's experiences as an athlete influence her work and how E-Motion makes a difference for those dealing with loss. Discover the collaborations with Women in Soccer and Common Goal to promote emotional literacy in sports.

Myra Sack runs E-Motion, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals through grief. She has led sports-based youth development nonprofits for over a decade and is a dedicated writer, coach, and activist. Myra lives in Boston with her family, honoring the memory of her daughter, Havi, through her impactful work.

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Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram

Myra Sack: about | LinkedIn | E-Motion | Today article

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Previous Episode

Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC

In this third episode of our three-part series, Lisa Bonta Sumii talks with Dan Ourian, CMPC, a certified mental performance consultant and assistant director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. They discuss integrating mental performance coaching into athletic coaching, the significance of mindfulness practices, and the importance of practical placements for students training to become mental performance consultants.

Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC Highlights:

Importance of mental performance in athletic coaching.
Tips for youth coaches on improving mental fitness.
Benefits of mindfulness practices for coaches.
Role of practical placements in training mental performance consultants.

Memorable Quote: "Recognize that you are a performer in your own right, and your coaching is highly impactful on your athlete's experience."

This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants

Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology (ASPP) department trains students to be ethical, professional, and culturally competent practitioners who work with performers in a variety of domains. Our program is committed to supporting both the professional and personal growth of students to become practitioners and leaders of Sport and Performance Psychology who integrate the art and science of mental skills training.

About Dan Ourian, CMPC: Dan Ourian is a certified mental performance consultant and the Assistant Director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. With a background in coaching basketball, Dan integrates mental performance principles into athletic coaching, helping develop well-rounded athletes and future mental performance consultants.

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Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
Dan Ourian, CMPC | LinkedIn | Dominican University of California
SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to "Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC":

Part 1 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Kai Laird, MA, CMPC, LPC
Part 2 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, CMPC
Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports

Music credit:

Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

Next Episode

Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with soccer legend Brandi Chastain to explore her journey from youth soccer to international stardom. Brandi discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her famous penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, overcoming injuries, and the impact of mentorship and leadership. They also discuss the importance of resilience, celebrating successes, and the evolving role of mental health in sports. Brandi shares valuable insights for young athletes and parents, emphasizing the significance of support, hard work, and self-belief.

"Find Your Yes!"

"Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader" Topics:

The pressure of playing on the national stage and Brandi's iconic penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Overcoming injuries and the mental and physical challenges of recovery
The importance of leadership and mentorship in sports
The evolving role of mental health in athletic performance
Celebrating successes and building confidence in athletes
The impact of youth sports coaching and parental influence on young athletes
The vision and mission behind founding AFC (Athletic Football Club) and its future in women's soccer

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