Every athlete experiences moments when they feel stuck — whether it’s a performance plateau, mental pressure, or the stress that comes with competition. The key is learning how to work through those moments instead of letting them define you.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Katie Cheadle, a former softball player turned performance coach who now helps athletes develop the mental skills needed to navigate pressure, uncertainty, and growth.
Katie shares strategies that help athletes reset when they feel overwhelmed, develop resilience through failure, and use mindfulness practices to perform at their best.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck
Many athletes experience periods where progress feels slow or nonexistent.
Katie explains that feeling stuck is often part of the growth process. Instead of trying to force immediate change, athletes can benefit from slowing down, reflecting on their habits, and identifying what might need to shift in their mindset or approach.
Learning how to navigate these moments builds resilience and long-term confidence.
Managing Stress in High-Pressure Moments
Competition can bring intense pressure, especially when athletes place high expectations on themselves.
Katie discusses practical ways athletes can manage stress during those moments, including breathing techniques, mindfulness, and mental resets that help bring focus back to the present moment. These strategies allow athletes to perform with greater clarity and composure.
Why Failure Should Be Celebrated
One of the most powerful ideas Katie shares is the importance of celebrating failure.
Instead of viewing mistakes as setbacks, athletes can learn to see them as valuable opportunities for growth. By reframing failure as part of the learning process, athletes develop a healthier relationship with competition and continue improving over time.
The Role of Mindfulness in Performance
Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool athletes can use to enhance performance.
Katie explains how simple mindfulness practices can help athletes stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and improve focus during both training and competition. When athletes learn to stay present, they often perform with greater confidence and freedom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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How to break through moments when you feel stuck
Strategies for navigating plateaus and setbacks. -
How athletes can manage stress in competition
Tools for staying calm and focused under pressure. -
Why celebrating failure supports long-term growth
Turning mistakes into learning opportunities. -
How mindfulness can improve athletic performance
Practical techniques athletes can apply immediately. -
How athletes can lean into becoming their best selves
Building resilience, awareness, and confidence.
About Katie Cheadle
Katie Cheadle is a former softball player and high performance coach who works with athletes to develop mental resilience, mindfulness, and performance strategies. Through her coaching, she helps athletes navigate pressure, embrace challenges, and build the mindset needed to perform at their highest level.
Her work focuses on helping athletes grow not only as competitors, but also as confident and self-aware individuals.
