My name is Matthew Smith,
and I coach athletes.
From my humble beginnings in pee-wee baseball I knew from an early age that sports can be fun, engaging, self-expressive, and a great way to grow confidence and make friends.
I also discovered at an early age that sports can increase anxiety, perfectionism, shame, and burn out.
I stuck with three sports until basketball revealed itself to be my main passion as a high school sophomore. Along the way I’ve been cut from teams. I’ve rode the bench. I’ve been recruited to play on elite travel teams. I’ve been a team captain and leading scorer at the collegiate level. I’ve wanted to quit. I’ve limited my identity to my ability to perform. I’ve loved and hated the game, often at the same time.
I know the ups and down of the athletic journey, and have come to see how truly powerful competition is for personal growth. In my work as a coach I combine my personal experience as an athlete with my training in the art of counseling psychology, neurobiology, and the anatomy of performance to create results through powerful one-on-one relationships.
I’m also out there continuing to test my grit, challenge my limiting beliefs, and pursue my own mental well-being as a trail runner in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.
Matthew Smith, MA
I hold my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and bring expansive knowledge in the fields of neurobiology and performance to each of my clients. Combined with deep, active listening and fearless pursuit of the true champion inside of you, I create powerful game/life changing relationships with athletes who truly desire greatness.
I’d love to share my thoughts on the art and science of deep performance and the power of competition to fuel personal growth, so make sure to sign up for my e-newsletter.