Confidence is not something athletes are simply born with — it is something they can build, train, and strengthen over time.

In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Amanda Schaefer, mental skills coach and founder of Fearless Fastpitch, for a conversation about what it really takes to create a mental edge. Together, they unpack how athletes can remove self-doubt, build stronger inner confidence, and develop the mindset needed to perform more freely and consistently.  

This episode is especially valuable for athletes who feel stuck in their own head, struggle with confidence, or want to better understand how the mental side of the game shapes everything else.

Why Confidence Starts on the Inside

Amanda explains that confidence is not just about results or outside validation.

Real confidence comes from learning how to trust yourself, understand your thoughts, and stop letting fear or doubt dictate the way you compete. When athletes rely only on performance for confidence, their mindset can swing constantly. But when confidence is built internally, it becomes much more stable and resilient.

That shift is one of the core themes of this conversation.

Removing Self-Doubt and Competing More Freely

One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Amanda’s perspective on self-doubt.

She breaks down how athletes can begin recognizing negative thought patterns and stop giving them so much power. Instead of spiraling after mistakes or overthinking every moment, athletes can learn how to reset, refocus, and return to the present.

That ability to compete more freely often creates the kind of mental edge athletes have been looking for all along.

What a Mental Edge Really Looks Like

Amanda also helps redefine what “mental toughness” actually means.

It is not about pretending to never feel nervous or emotional. It is about learning how to handle those feelings, stay grounded, and keep moving forward. Mental strength comes from awareness, repetition, and having tools that help athletes respond better in pressure moments.

This perspective makes the mental game feel much more accessible and trainable.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How athletes can begin building real confidence
  Developing belief that is not dependent only on outcomes.
• How to recognize and work through self-doubt
  Interrupting negative patterns before they take over.
• What a true mental edge looks like
  Competing with more freedom, clarity, and trust.
• Why mindset training matters so much
  Strengthening the part of the game that affects everything else.
• How athletes can become more resilient mentally
  Learning to reset and move forward after mistakes.

About
Amanda Schaefer

Amanda Schaefer is a mental performance coach who helps athletes build confidence, manage pressure, and develop the mental skills needed to compete freely and fearlessly. Her work bridges science, psychology, and real-world athletic experience to support athletes at every level.

Connect with Amanda:

• Website: fearlesswarriorprogram.com

• Instagram: @fearless_coach_ab

• Facebook: Fearless Fastpitch Mental Training

Past Episodes with Amanda