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 129: A Coach Looks at 50
This week, The Mental Mettle Podcast celebrates a milestone as Coach Matt Thomann turns 50 and shares hard-won wisdom from a life lived as a father, husband, teacher, believer, and coach.
Episode 128: Basketballs and Bibles with Robo Kreps
Welcome to another inspiring edition of The Mental Mettle Podcast, hosted by Coach Matt Thomann. In Episode 128, "Basketballs and Bibles with Robo Kreps," listeners are invited into the remarkable evolution of Robo Kreps—former state champion, college standout, professional basketball player, and now founder of a faith-driven nonprofit impacting young athletes nationwide.
Episode 127: From Courts to Fields: 30 Years of Klay Wheeler's Coaching Insights
Welcome to another inspiring episode of "The Mental Mettle Podcast," hosted by Coach Matt Thomann. In Episode 127, we dive deep into the remarkable 30-year career of Klay Wheeler—a coach whose wisdom and adaptability have positively shaped countless athletes across multiple sports and generations.
Episode 126: Building Mental Strength Take Mental Tools with Jason Drengwitz
Mental strength isn’t just something you expect from athletes—it’s something you have to teach and build intentionally. In Episode 126 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Jason Drengwitz, head coach of the Normal Community Ironmen football team, to discuss how he transformed his approach to fostering mental strength in his players.
Ep. 125: Sleep is Your Mental and Physical Superpower
This month’s Monthly Mettle Challenge uncovers one of the most underrated but powerful tools for peak performance—sleep. In Episode 125 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann transforms into Mr. Sandman, sharing the science, personal stories, and straight talk on why sleep is a true superpower for your body and mind.
Sleep: The Hidden Edge for Athletic Performance
One of the most impactful topics explored in Episode 125 of the Mental Mettle Podcast is the science—and overlooked power—of sleep for elite performance. As a coach who’s experienced firsthand the mental and physical toll of sleep issues, Coach Matt Thomann dives deep into how quality rest is not just for recovery, but a true superpower for athletic and cognitive growth.​