BREE HICKEN - Mental Game Coach
For over a decade—and continuing today—I’ve lived at the intersection of elite performance and high-pressure stakes. As a current NCAA Division I Academic Coordinator, I work daily with student-athletes to navigate the intense, modern demands of elite-level sport. I see the real-time challenges of the "modern athlete"—from managing high-stakes schedules to maintaining focus amidst external noise—and I know that a resilient mindset is the only way to stay on top.
Real-World Experience Backed by Science
While my perspective is forged on the front lines of DI athletics, it is rooted in elite training. I am a Certified Mental Game Performance Coach, having completed extensive training under Dr. Patrick Cohn, and have received my Mental Performance Mastery Coaching Certification under Mental Performance Coach Brian Cain.
I combine these certifications with my background as a two-sport collegiate athlete, a multi-level coach, and a sports photographer. This "360-degree" view allows me to observe the nuances of a player’s presence and composure that others often miss, providing the exact mental tools an athlete needs to pivot in real-time.
The Mental Game is Universal
While every sport has its own rules, the mental hurdles—performance anxiety, lack of focus, and the pressure to succeed—are universal. Whether you are on the field, the court, the ice, or the course, the principles of a high-performance mindset remain the same. I work with athletes across all sports and all levels to sharpen their mental edge.
The "NXT Play" Philosophy
At NXT Play Mindset, I help athletes move past the last mistake and prepare for what’s next. My approach focuses on:
Mental Toughness & Confidence: Building an unshakeable foundation so you can perform at your peak when the pressure is highest.
Total Athlete Management: Leveraging my DI experience to help athletes navigate "off-field" stressors—from schedule management to life balance—so they can show up 100% focused on game day.
Cohesive Team Culture: Partnering with teams to build a collective mindset where every player is mentally dialed in and ready for the NXT Play, together.