Therapist, Performance Coach, Speaker.
HANS SKULSTAD
Changing the conversation to Mental Fitness.
Therapist, Performance Coach, Speaker.
HANS SKULSTAD
Changing the conversation to Mental Fitness.
FEATURED IN:
FEATURED IN:
Hans C Skulstad, MA LMFT
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.
KEY TOPICS
MENTAL HEALTH
Breaking the barriers and stigmas to make mental health and mental fitness approachable.
MOTIVATION
Empowering minds of all ages to be who they want to be, and to do their best, for themselves and for others.
PERFORMANCE
Helping athletes find their zone to play through distractions and maintain consistent confidence.
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.
MORE ABOUT US
Create Fulfilling Relationships and Enhance Communication
Strong and meaningful relationships are the foundation of a happy life. Our coaching can help you build better connections, improve communication skills, and resolve conflicts, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional relationships.
OUR SERVICES
High Quality Services
Group Coaching
Explain any group coaching programs or workshops you offer. Provide information about the topics covered, the format (online or in-person), and the benefits of learning and growing alongside others in a supportive group setting.
Career Coaching
Detail your career coaching services, including assistance with career planning, job search strategies, interview preparation, and career transitions. Mention any expertise in helping clients find their passion and purpose in their professional lives.
Life Transition Coaching,
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Mindfulness and Stress Management
Emphasize your services related to mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional well-being. Explain how you can help clients develop mindfulness practices, manage stress, and improve their overall mental health and resilience.
Professionals Team
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.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Client's Feedbacks
The personalized approach they took made all the difference. Each session felt like a tailored roadmap to success. Their unwavering support and encouragement empowered me to overcome obstacles I never thought possible. I've not only achieved my career aspirations but have also grown as an individual, cultivating healthier relationships and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
THERAPIST. PERFORMANCE COACH. SPEAKER.
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
Take the Next Step
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.
PRESENTING THE HOBEY BAKER AWARD
WANT TO PASS ME THE MIC AT YOUR NEXT EVENT?
Media Features
How to Actually Build Mental Fitness
How to Actually Build Mental Fitness
Step 1 – Believe it’s possible.
The first step? Knowing that mental fitness can be built. Just like physical strength, it takes effort—but it’s trainable.
Step 2 – Understand how your brain changes.
The old myth says mental toughness is fixed. That you either have it or you don’t.
Not true.
Hebb’s Principle tells us: “Neurons that fire together wire together.”
Translation: Practice makes permanent.
Your brain is like a network of wires. At first, when you start a new habit, those wires are thin—fragile.
But with repetition, they grow stronger.
Practice thickens those wires. Builds new connections. Makes new habits stick.
Step 3 – Create new habits.
The key to change? Replace self-defeating habits with stronger, more effective ones.
As the new neural pathways grow, they eventually overpower the old ones.
So here’s the real question:
What habit do you need to start with?
Let's Get in Touch
Get In Touch
© 2023 Hans Skulstad. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.