The way athletes think about themselves can shape everything — from performance to identity to overall well-being.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Chloe Maleski, a former Duke track and field athlete, to talk about mental fortitude, cognitive performance, stress management, and mindfulness. Chloe shares how difficult experiences in sport ultimately led her toward a deeper understanding of psychology, mindset, and the tools athletes can use to cope with negativity in healthier ways.
This conversation offers an honest look at how harmful messaging can impact athletes — and how self-awareness, strength, and intentional mindset work can help them rebuild confidence from the inside out.
When a Coach’s Words Leave a Lasting Impact
One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Chloe’s reflection on how one coach negatively affected the way she thought about herself and her body.
She opens up about the doubt that experience created and how it shaped the way she viewed performance, identity, and self-worth. Her honesty offers an important reminder of how much influence coaches have — and why the language used with athletes matters.
This part of the conversation may resonate deeply with anyone who has carried criticism long after the moment passed.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Instead of allowing that experience to define her negatively, Chloe used it to fuel a deeper pursuit of understanding.
She shares how those challenges helped spark her passion for psychology and for helping athletes better cope with pressure, negativity, and stress. That shift from wounded athlete to someone seeking tools and answers became a turning point in her story.
Her journey is a powerful example of how hard experiences can be transformed into meaningful work.
Strength Training as a Reminder of Inner Strength
Chloe also discusses the role strength training played in helping her reconnect with her body in a healthier way.
Rather than focusing only on appearance or criticism, strength training became a way for her to remember what her body was capable of. It helped her rebuild trust in herself and offered a physical reminder of resilience, power, and control.
That perspective is especially valuable for athletes working to shift their relationship with their body from judgment to appreciation.
Why Mindset Matters On and Off the Field
At the heart of the conversation is the idea that mindset is not separate from performance — it is central to it.
Chloe explains how mindfulness, stress management, and cognitive performance strategies can help athletes perform more consistently while also supporting their overall mental health. Learning how to regulate thoughts and emotions allows athletes to show up with more clarity, confidence, and resilience.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How negative coaching can impact athlete identity
Why words and environment matter so much. - How Chloe turned difficult experiences into purpose
Using pain as fuel for growth and learning. - Why strength training can support more than performance
Rebuilding trust in your body and yourself. - How mindfulness and stress management improve performance
Developing tools to stay grounded and focused. - Why mastering your mindset matters beyond sport
Building confidence and resilience that carry into everyday life.
About Chloe Maleski
Chloe Maleski is a former Duke track and field athlete whose experiences in sport led her to a deeper interest in psychology, cognitive performance, and mindfulness. She is passionate about helping athletes better understand stress, self-talk, and the impact mindset has on both performance and overall well-being.
Today, Chloe serves as a Mental Performance Coach with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where she works with athletes on mental fortitude, stress management, focus, and confidence. Drawing from both personal experience and professional training, she offers thoughtful insight into how athletes can build resilience, navigate negativity, and reconnect with their inner strength.
Connect with Chloe:
Instagram: @growwithclo_
