Changing the conversation to Mental Fitness.
Changing the conversation to Mental Fitness.
Hans enjoys working with athletes and their families in all sports and at all levels in order to help them achieve their athletic and life goals. He and his wife, Jennie created the Center for Sports and The Mind to integrate their passions for sports and working with people. He served as the 2013 Chair of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and awarded to Drew LeBlance of Saint Cloud State. Hans currently is on the Board of the Hobey Baker Foundation, and serves as the National Director of the Hobey Baker Boys High School Character Award. Hans has been a coach, and served on committees devoted to fair play.
Hans served as the Hockey Development Coordinator at Armstrong Cooper Hockey for 6+ years. Hans works with teams and individuals. He has helped teams win championships and worked with high school, college, professional and Olympic athletes and coaches. Hans received his Masters in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of St Thomas.
My dedication to teaching Mental Fitness comes from experience as an athlete, coach, therapist and sports parent. I've seen the problems from every angle.
I have worked with athletes for over 20 years at all levels of play - youth to Olympic. Helped teams win championships. Overcome tragedy. I've been in the arena with all the rest of you.
My approach is based, measurable, and athlete tested. We help athletes build the 3 systems they all need to be amazing but not perfect. The focus is building better athletes and better people.
When I present to teams, or large groups of athletes 75% of them say they have not gotten more than 45 minutes of detailed coaching on how to manage the mental part of their sport.
This implies there are no systems for it. Why - at best it wasn't seen as an important part of sports. At worst it meant you were a head case, uncoachable, maybe even crazy or stupid.
Fortunately, those stigmas are fading. It's safer to talk about now. It's a silver lining of the pandemic. Kids know mental health is important.
But we need to give them more skills. We need to change the conversation to Mental Fitness.
We believe in a client-centered approach, tailoring our coaching to your unique goals and aspirations. Whether you're seeking personal growth, career advancement, improved relationships, or enhanced well-being, our team is here to support and empower you every step of the way. Together, we'll inspire positive change and help you become the best version of yourself.
On the stage, Hans brings the perspective of an athlete, a parent, a coach, and a therapist with over 20 years of experience as a therapist and coach. Hans has presented at:
Minnesota Boys and Girls Hockey Coaches Association - Numerous Years
Minnesota High School Basketball Coaches Association
Minnesota Hockey Camps
Bulldog Hockey Camp at Amsoil Arena - Numerous years
Minnesota Association of Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Acme Hockey Advisors Camp
Dave Peterson Goalie Camp
MN High School Soccer Coaches Association
Armstrong High School Boys Hockey and Basketball
St Cloud State Mens and Womens Hockey
MN Wild Development Camp
Luck High School Football
Monticello High School Resiliency Conference
Benilde St Margaret’s Hockey - Boys and Girls
U of Minnesota Model Camp
Apple Valley Girls Lacrosse
MN Hockey High Performance Camps
USA Hockey Level 4 Coaches Symposiums
Hurricanes Swim Team
Amery High School Football and Hockey
Chanhassen Girls Basketball
Wayzata High School Coaches
Wayzata High School Dance Team
Wayzata Boys Hockey
Roseville Girls Basketball
Eagan Boys Hockey
Book an Event with Hans!
Are you an Agent, Athlete, Business or Coach?
Work with Hans to Elevate Performance, Build Resilience and Support Mental Wellness
Hans understands that success in sports requires more than physical talent. True greatness comes from the ability to master the mental game. That’s why we provide cutting-edge mental fitness strategies that help athletes, coaches, and teams elevate their performance, build resilience, and achieve consistent excellence on and off the field.
For agents, coaches, and organizations, partnering with us is not just an investment in performance—it’s a way to protect your athletes and maximize your returns. When athletes thrive mentally, their physical performance follows, ensuring better results and greater career longevity.
Services:
Career Transitions and Crisis Management
Mental Fitness and Performance Programs
Mental Health Advocacy and Support
Mental Health Support
Player Retention and Commitment
Stress and Emotional Regulation
Team and Locker-Room Dynamics
Team Workshops and Coaching Support
Transition and Crisis Management
So, why choose Hans:
Better outcomes
Expertise you can Trust
Personalized Solutions
Protect your Investment
Proven Results
Retain your Talent
Science-Driven Solutions
Tailored for your unique demands
Where to find Hans:
YouTube: Watch videos on mental performance strategies and expert insights tailored for hockey players
Instagram: Follow us for daily tips, motivational content, and success stories
Facebook: Join a community dedicated to mental fitness in sports
Whether you’re an Agent, Athlete, Business or Coach looking to gain an edge, Hans is here to help.
Reach out today to start your journey toward mental fitness and peak performance.
Protect your investment and see the difference that mental fitness makes.
If you asked my Grandpa Skulstad to sing, he’d say,
“I’d love to sing a solo… so low you can’t hear me.”
Then he’d add,
“I know I have a lot of music in me—because none has ever come out.”
But his real advice?
Remember your ABCs:
A – Always
B – Be
C – Careful
To him, that meant being wise with your words—to others and to yourself.
Slow down. Think before you speak.
He also used to say,
“Stay out of trouble.”
His rule? Assume you’ll get caught. Then ask yourself:
1️⃣ Is it the right thing to do?
2️⃣ Is it safe—for me and others?
3️⃣ Is it respectful?
4️⃣ What are the consequences?
5️⃣ What does my common sense say?
6️⃣ Would Grandma and I approve?
7️⃣ Am I being the person I want to be?
Print these out. Stick them on the fridge, your wall, or save them on your phone.
Use them before sending that text or posting that comment on social media.
And the last part? Be good to each other.
He’d say,
“I don’t think I need to explain it. Kill ‘em with kindness.”
Change the conversation.
Talk & learn about mental fitness.
© 2023 Hans Skulstad. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.