Dr. Lauren Gallagher, an accomplished school psychologist, mental fitness coach, public speaker, and children's author, is dedicated to helping young student-athletes build resilience.
Lauren earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Columbia University and, in 2020, was honored with the Frank Plumeau Psychologist of the Year Award by the New York Association of School Psychologists.
She also has a rich background in soccer - having spent eighteen years coaching at the youth level after excelling as a NCAA Division I player at Cornell University.
Lauren currently serves as a school psychologist in the Harborfields School District, where she collaborates closely with the athletic department and holds a key role as one of the district's Social Emotional Learning Coordinators. In addition, she contributed to the children's book, “The Hard Hat for Kids” alongside her co-author, Jon Gordon. Lauren also serves as the Mental Fitness Director for the Long Island Soccer Club, and manages a private mental fitness coaching practice catering to student-athletes of all ages.
In this episode, Lauren guides us through the importance of building confidence on-and-off the soccer field. To perform our best in competitive soccer, she emphasizes the importance of combining mental performance skills, such as problem-solving and self-confidence, with technical and tactical strengths.
As part of this, Lauren encourages our listeners to use positive self-talk, transforming doubts into confidence building statements. This shift, from questioning one's abilities to acknowledging one’s strengths, while maintaining a ‘growth mindset’ in areas where one needs to develop, can be an important tool in building confidence and resilience. She encourages players to not only feel confident about their strengths but to also take intentional risks in their training and in competition.
We also explore mindfulness as an important tool in our soccer mindset tool-belt. Lauren talks about the significance of being fully present in the moment whether in training or in the midst of competition. By developing this skill, players can enhance decision-making, improve focus, and better navigate in-game challenges.
I thought this was such a powerful episode and I really hope you enjoy it!
If you are interested in connecting with Lauren you can reach her at lgallagher16@gmail.com.
Please also consider checking out our Bonus Episode on Mental Health that will also be released this week! It is a must listen for parents, players and coaches.
Yours in soccer and health,
JulieAnne and Elizabeth
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @shedreamsingoals and for more information visit us at www.shedreamsingoals.com.
Thanks Lauren!!!
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