Abby Keenan, MS, CMPC

Co-Founder and Mental Performance Coach

As a competitive swimmer for 12 years, I wasn't what you'd call exceptional. You could describe me more as delightfully average.

It's not that I didn't want to get faster, move up to the top group, or swim at high-level meets.

What I know now is that I got in my own way. Misunderstanding of nerves held me back. Inability to calm myself down created inconsistency. Lack of mental flexibility cost me enjoyment.

If you are the thing that is preventing yourself from showing up, stepping up, or leveling up, I'm here for that.

I'm Abby Keenan - swimmer turned runner, music and podcast enthusiast, recovering perfectionist, and one of the most organized, detail-oriented, and conscientious people you'll ever meet. If you're looking for a space where you can be authentic and honest about your experiences in your sport - no mask, no pretense - this is it. If this is your first time talking to anyone about what you're going through mentally, you're in good company.

When I work with athletes, I help them learn mental skills and strategies - but also become a trusted guide that walks alongside them. I'll be there as you get curious, embrace discomfort, and do the work. You are capable - of learning new skills, being yourself, and doing hard things. Let's do it together.

After working with me, athletes tend to:

better manage nerves and anxiety around competing
take healthy risks in their sport and be proud of themselves
appreciate who they are and show up more authentically
enjoy participating in their sport more (or again!)
perform in a way that better reflects what they are capable of

Getting to know athletes and supporting them through some of their toughest moments is a privilege that I don't take lightly. And yet, we can still have fun in the process!

On a personal note, my husband, John, and I have two young boys who keep us on our toes and help us constantly learn how to be the best versions of ourselves. Any chance we get, we're outdoors chasing playgrounds or hiking a trail somewhere. I also enjoy running, reading, traveling, practicing yoga, learning Spanish, and organizing all the things.

Here's a little more about me, my background, and my work with athletes over the last 15+ years. I'd love to learn more about you - who you are as an athlete and a person, what challenges you're experiencing, your goals, and how I can help you perform better, have more success, and be happier in your sport and beyond. Can't wait to hear from you.

Let's connect

Education

University of Georgia

Athens, GA

B.S. in Psychology

Minor in Sociology & Spanish

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

M.S. in Educational/Sport Psychology

Certification

Certified Mental Performance Consultant®️ (CMPC)

Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

2015 - current

Youth Mental Health First Aid

National Council for Behavioral Health

2021 - current

Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development (ASYD) Certificate

Georgia ASYD Initiative

2024 - current

Mentorship

Adjunct Faculty Member, CMPC®️ Mentor, & Exit Exam Proctor

National University

Sport and Performance Psychology Department

CMPC®️ Mentor for graduate students and sport and performance psychology professionals

Co-creator of Project E, a resource for mental performance entrepreneurs

Clients

Abby has experience working with middle school, high school, collegiate, masters, Olympic Trials qualifying, and professional athletes.

She has been coaching mental skills since 2011 and has supported a variety of sports, including baseball, cheerleading, climbing, cross country, diving, fencing, golf, gymnastics, running, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, triathlon, and ultimate frisbee.

Abby specializes in working with student-athletes and masters athletes, particularly swimmers, runners, and triathletes, especially those who are navigating performance anxiety and perfectionism within their sport.