Coach Sav

I’m Coach Sav, a mental performance coach, tennis and pickleball instructor with a background in competitive play and collegiate coaching. I grew up competing in USTA junior tournaments and went on to play college tennis at UC Santa Cruz. It was there that I was first introduced to structured mental performance training, an experience that completely changed how I approached competition and ultimately shaped the direction of my career.

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After graduating, I spent several years coaching athletes across all ages and levels, including high school teams, while pursuing a master’s degree in Sport & Performance Psychology. During this time, I worked closely with athletes in both practice and competitive environments, helping them develop confidence, consistency, and stronger mental skills. I also gained experience developing team culture, with a focus on communication, trust, and accountability, particularly within doubles partnerships and competitive team environments.

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Over these years, I also navigated my own challenges as an athlete, including a significant foot injury and ongoing chronic stress injuries. This experience deepened my understanding of injury psychology, recovery, and the mental demands of returning to play. It’s a perspective that continues to shape how I support athletes through both performance and setbacks.

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I later returned to UC Santa Cruz as an assistant coach for the women’s tennis team, further expanding my experience at the collegiate level. Today, my work focuses on helping athletes build the mental skills that directly impact performance, from routines and self-talk to focus, resilience, and competing with confidence under pressure.

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I help athletes build a stronger mind so they can perform with confidence and consistency when it matters most.