January 6, 2025 

The Mentally Strong Institute, founded by Sport and Performance Psychology expert Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, is excited to announce a new partnership with MYAS (Minnesota Youth Athletic Services / Minnesota Youth Association of Sports) to bring mental performance learning, confidence building tools, and practical resources to youth athletes, coaches, teams, and parents across Minnesota.

Through this collaboration, Mentally Strong Institute and MYAS will work together to equip the next generation of athletes with the mental skills they need to thrive on and off the field. The partnership will include a series of live and virtual training courses, resources for coaches and parents, and tools that help young athletes build confidence, resilience, focus, and a healthy competitive mindset.

“As the demands on young athletes continue to grow, their mental game has never been more important,” said Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, founder of the Mentally Strong Institute, national speaker, and author of Beyond Grit. “We’re thrilled to partner with MYAS to make mental performance tools accessible to kids, families, and coaches all over Minnesota. Together, we’re not just developing better athletes, we’re developing stronger, more confident people.”

“I have experienced sports from every angle—as a high school and college athlete, a youth and high school coach, a longtime basketball official, a parent, and a volunteer board member—and my journey with MYAS which began in 1999,” said Dawson Blanck, Executive Director of MYAS. “With over three decades of experience in youth sports, I’ve seen how powerful the experience can be when young people feel supported, and how challenging it can be when they don’t. This partnership with the Mentally Strong Institute reinforces MYAS’s commitment to developing the whole athlete by building confidence, resilience, and perspective—especially during moments of pressure and adversity—so kids can carry the life lessons learned through sport long after the final whistle.” 

To learn more: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/discovery

About Minnesota Youth Athletic Services 
Minnesota Youth Athletic Services, Inc. (MYAS; www.myas.org) originated in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and enhancing youth sports programs and services (leagues, tournaments, events, training/development, and educational offerings and resources) for Minnesota’s youth athletes, coaches, parents, officials/umpires, and parent-volunteer athletic associations. Today, the MYAS is Minnesota's largest multi-sport organization and acts as a central clearinghouse for youth sports with more than 150,000 kids participating in programs and services each year. The MYAS is committed to providing a safe, positive, and productive experience for today’s youth athletes. Other MYAS services include: www.trustedcoaches.org; Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance 

About the Mentally Strong Institute
The Mentally Strong Institute is a nationally recognized performance psychology organization dedicated to helping athletes, coaches, leaders, and organizations build real confidence and mental strength that translates into performance and well-being. Founded by Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D., a sport and performance psychology expert, researcher, and national speaker, the Institute delivers evidence-based mental performance training through keynotes, workshops, coaching programs, certifications, and digital learning experiences. Grounded in research and practical application, the Mentally Strong Institute equips individuals and teams with tools to build confidence, resilience, focus, and a healthy mindset—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Learn more at https://mentallystronginstitute.com/.