 Consistency at the plate is not just physical — it is mental.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Hannah Huesman, former Division I softball player and current Phillies mental skills coach, for a conversation about what it really takes to stay locked in when your best is needed most. Working with professional baseball players every day, Hannah brings a powerful perspective on how athletes can strengthen their mindset, compete with more presence, and build the inner edge that separates good performers from great ones.
Whether an athlete is trying to get out of a slump, become more mentally tough, or simply learn how to stay present in competition, this episode is packed with practical insight.
What the Best Players Have in Common
Hannah explains that the best athletes are not always the ones who avoid failure — they are the ones who know how to respond to it.
She breaks down the mental skills elite players often share, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, focus, and the ability to stay grounded under pressure. These skills do not happen by accident. They are built intentionally through practice, repetition, and a willingness to train the mind just like the body.
This part of the episode is especially helpful for athletes who want to understand what “mental toughness” actually looks like in action.
How to Get Out of a Slump
One of the most valuable parts of the conversation centers on slumps.
Hannah shares how athletes can work through difficult stretches without letting frustration take over. Instead of spiraling after poor performance, she encourages athletes to return to what they can control, simplify their approach, and focus on the next opportunity rather than the last result.
That kind of reset is often what helps athletes rebuild confidence and consistency.
Learning to Stay Present
Another key theme in the episode is presence.
Hannah talks about how athletes often get pulled into the past or too far ahead into future outcomes, which makes it harder to compete freely. She offers perspective on how staying present helps athletes make better decisions, trust their preparation, and get more out of their ability in real time.
For athletes who feel overwhelmed by pressure or expectation, this part of the conversation is especially impactful.
Building an Inner Edge
At the heart of the episode is the idea that confidence and mental toughness are skills athletes can train.
Hannah explains that the “inner edge” comes from learning how to manage thoughts, emotions, and attention in a way that supports performance instead of working against it. When athletes develop these tools, they often find more consistency, more freedom, and more trust in themselves.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What mental skills elite athletes often have in common
Focus, self-awareness, and emotional control. - How to get out of a slump without spiraling
Resetting your mindset and returning to what you can control. - Why presence matters so much in competition
Staying grounded in the current moment. - How athletes can become more mentally tough
Training the mind with the same intention as the body. - What it means to build an inner edge
Competing with more trust, confidence, and consistency.
