A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Performance
As we enter 2026, we are proud to reflect on a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. 2025 marked a major chapter for MindBalanceSPORT – shaped by new programming, a growing team, expanded educational services, and the continued trust of the athletes, families, coaches, and organizations we serve.
2025 At A Glance
🧠 Launch of The MindBalanceSPORT Mental Assessment
The Mental Assessment is an evidence-based tool evaluating mental fortitude across four key pillars – growth mindset, self-confidence, health behaviors, and team culture – helping athletes better understand and strengthen their mental game.
Scores are benchmarked against a growing database of over 3,400 athletes – tested separately for youth and adults – including state championship teams, top Division I programs, professional athletes, and Olympians, establishing a meaningful baseline to track progress over time.
An athlete’s personalized score offers additional insight into areas of improvement, allowing us to build a tailored mental training plan specific to your needs. It is the most effective way to gain mental skills, track progress, and elevate your performance.
Learn more here
🎤 Sharing the Mindset Message
In 2025, MindBalanceSPORT presented in seven speaking engagements and podcast features, sharing expertise on topics including performance anxiety, confidence training, mental toughness, and long-term athlete development.
Speaking engagements included our two-part Raising Resilient Athletes Parent Summit and Webinar in partnership with The StudyPro, an educational presentation to Physical Therapists at Rehab 2 Perform, and a podcast feature on Learning Essentials.
📚 Evidence-Based Education
Education remains a cornerstone of MindBalanceSPORT. Throughout 2025, we published 29 research-informed blog articles designed to translate sport psychology science into digestible strategies.
Popular blogs include:
- Athletes building competitive confidence
- Parents navigating youth sport development
- Coaches seeking to strengthen team culture
- Endurance athletes managing mental fatigue
- Performers working through setbacks and transitions
🏅 Supporting Over 100 Athletes in 2025
From youth to professional athletes, we were honored to support performers at every level as they strengthened mindset, resilience, and confidence. In 2025, the top 6 topics of focus were:
- Enhancing focus and concentration
- Building confidence and mental toughness
- Goal setting and motivation
- Managing performance anxiety
- Visualization and mental rehearsal
- Overcoming setbacks and slumps
Each athlete’s journey is unique, and we remain committed to providing individualized, evidence-based support that aligns performance goals with overall well-being.
👥 A Growing Team
Our team expanded with exceptional psychologists and performance coaches who share a commitment to athlete development and mental wellness.
Dr. Brenna Chirby, PsyD, Co-Founder
Dr. Chirby is a licensed clinical psychologist and sport psychologist specializing in performance under pressure, confidence development, and mental health in sport.
Dr. Virginia Jones, PsyD, Co-Founder
Dr. Jones is a licensed clinical psychologist and sport psychologist offers a comprehensive approach that supports both performance outcomes and long-term development.
Paula Castro, MS, CMPC, Performance Coach
Paula is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with extensive experience working with competitive athletes. She draws on her experience as a former DI and DIII tennis player who won the NCAA championship to guide athletes of all levels, particularly in individual and racquet sports, towards their highest potential.
Raven Gerald, MA, Performance
Raven works with athletes to develop mental skills related to consistency, motivation, and competitive resilience, supporting performers across training and competition environments. With 8 years of college basketball coaching experience, Raven understands the complex Coach-Athlete relationship.
John Howard, MA, LPC, Performance Coach
John integrates counseling and performance psychology principles to help athletes improve emotional control, stress management, and mental preparation. As a former basketball, baseball and football, John understands the demands of balancing athletes with daily life.
Junko Araki, EdD, LCPC, LPC, BC-DMT, Performance Coach
Junko brings a holistic approach to performance psychology, incorporating mind-body awareness, emotional expression, and mental resilience.
Brady Dinnsen, MS, Performance Coach
Brady utilizes his experience as a D1 volleyball player at the University of Arizona and as a professional beach volleyball player, along with his role as a mental performance coach with the U.S. Army to guide athletes towards confident and controlled athletic routines.
⭐ Countless 5-Star Reviews
On confidence, calm, and breaking limiting beliefs
“Working with Paula Castro has completely changed how I approach my sport. She helped me break down long-held beliefs that were creating anxiety, and I’m now able to compete from a place of calm, confidence, and strength.”
– NCAA Soccer Player
On youth performance and competitive growth:
“Since working with John Howard, we’ve seen a complete transformation in how our 11-year-old handles adversity in competitive golf. He’s enjoying competition more than ever and is now scoring in tournaments at the same level as his casual rounds.”
– Parent of Youth Athlete
On personal transformation
“Dr. Jones completely changed my outlook and mindset during a time when I needed support most. I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance and expertise.”
– D1 Lacrosse Player
On injury recovery and return to sport
“After two knee surgeries, I was struggling mentally to return to play. MindBalanceSPORT helped me work through every mental block, and I was able to return to sport stronger than before my injury.”
– D1 Lacrosse Player
On reputation and scientific approach
“MindBalanceSPORT has quickly become an area leader in sport psychology. Their scientifically grounded, thoughtful approach and the expertise of Drs. Jones and Chirby are truly impressive.”
– Dr. Salya Namazi, Ph.D.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move through 2026, we are excited to build upon this momentum by expanding our services, deepening our impact, and continuing to support athletes in becoming their best – on and off the field.
Thank you for being part of the MindBalanceSPORT community.
Dr. Brenna Chirby & Dr. Virginia Jones
Co-Founders, MindBalanceSPORT
