Coaching Under Pressure: Building Healthy Individuals and Winning Teams with David McHugh

MINDSET Mentoring

In this powerful episode, MINDSET Mentoring sits down with mental performance expert David McHugh (Director of Mental Performance Washington Spirit, Director The Mental Performance Coaching Institute) to explore one of the most critical challenges in modern sports: how to build healthy individuals and cohesive, winning teams—under the relentless pressure to succeed.

With decades of experience behind him, David delivers a masterclass for coaches who want to lead with impact. Instead of focusing solely on athletes, he makes a compelling case for prioritizing the mental performance of coaches—the true culture shapers of any team.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why mental performance starts with the coach, not just the player

• How to use authenticity and vulnerability to build trust and connection

• The role of regular touchpoints and mental rest routines in keeping players sharp

• The underrated power of non-verbal communication and how to read it

• How filming coaches during meetings (not just matches) can unlock game-changing insights

• Why joy, fun, and embracing individual values matter more than ever

• A fresh look at goal-setting: moving from rigid SMART goals to adaptable open goals

• And how AI is set to revolutionize coaching by tracking player mindset, body language, and performance patterns in real time

David also shares his simple yet powerful formula for reaching your best version—grounded in consistency, presence, emotional acceptance, and purpose-driven action.

Whether you’re working with elite athletes or rising stars, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you concrete strategies to lead, inspire, and perform under pressure—while preserving mental health and building strong team identity.