Mental Edge: How Thoughts & Emotions Affect Performance
Featuring 1972 Gold Medalist Barbara Cochran

The Positive Youth Sports Alliance of Essex presents an exciting opportunity for athletes (middle & high school), parents, and coaches, featuring 1972 gold medalist Barbara Cochran. On Tuesday, December 10, from 7:30-8:30p.m., she will be leading a session titled “Mental Edge: How Thoughts & Emotions Affect Performance.” For athletes, she will discuss handling the pressure of athletics, being mentally prepared, focusing your energy, and ultimately gaining a competitive edge. For parents and coaches, Barbara will discuss understanding what an athlete goes through, how to be supportive, and how to best motivate athletes. Barbara Cochran is from Vermont and won a gold medal in the women’s slalom event in the 1972 Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. She was also a two time National champion. Barbara was recently inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame. Her family owns Cochran ski area in Richmond, VT. She speaks as an athlete, ski coach, sports consultant, and mother of a son who is currently on the national ski team. Barbara inspires individuals to do their best in performance situations by empowering them with knowledge and tools to create environments for themselves and others that allow them to improve and succeed when under pressure in sports.

In addition to the presentation in the auditorium, the Athletic Leadership Council will be hosting Athlete’s Afoot! for K-5 graders in the gymnasium. Participants will be able to hang out with high school athletes and engage in a variety of activities while older siblings and/or parents listen to Barbara’s presentation. For more information, visit www.pysaessex.org or call 878-1375.

Feb 8, 2025, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Feb 8, 2025, 11 AM to 2 PM

Feb 9, 2025, 9 to 11:30 AM