dak talk

Hey, Hi, and Hello! My name is Dakota and I am a graduate student pursuing a degree in Mental Skills and Human Performance in Sport, as well as a degree in Clinical Counseling. My academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of mental health, performance enhancement, and sports. I am particularly passionate about integrating clinical counseling practices with mental skills training to help athletes achieve their full potential both on and off the field.

As someone deeply passionate about personal growth and mental well-being, I’m driven to work with athletes transitioning out of sport because I understand how challenging it can be to redefine identity after a life centered around performance and competition. These individuals often face uncertainty, loss of structure, and questions about purpose. I want to help bridge that gap—supporting them in rediscovering their strengths, building new goals, and translating their discipline, resilience, and leadership into meaningful next chapters, both personally and professionally.

Through my studies and practical experiences, I am dedicated to blending therapeutic approaches with performance psychology to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of athletes.

I am currently offering completely free and accessible sport skill sessions both virtually and in person if you’re located in the Chicago area. I have a strong history and experience of working with college athletes and high school. I have worked with lacrosse, softball, tennis, and theatre, and look forward to expanding that resume!