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 the state meet.

 

What I know now is that I got in my own way. Mismanagement of nerves held me back. Inability to calm myself down created inconsistency. Lack of mental toughness 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. I create space for you to be authentic and honest about your experiences in your sport, even if this is your first time talking to anyone about what you're going through mentally. I'll be there every step of the way as you get curious, embrace discomfort, learn mental skills and strategies, and do the work. When you learn about yourself, commit to the process, and grow your knowledge, skills, and abilities related to mental strength and resilience, you can create positive change in your life as an athlete and a person.

 

Personally, 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 enjoying a park or hiking a trail somewhere. I also enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, learning Spanish, and cleaning and organizing (literally anything... yes, I'm one of those people).  

 

Here's a little more about me, my background, and my work with athletes over the last 13+ 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.

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 

 

Mentorship

Adjunct Faculty Member & CMPC®️ Mentor

National University

Sport and Performance Psychology Department

 

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 their parents!) and masters athletes, particularly swimmers, runners, and triathletes. 

 

Experience

Mental Performance Coach

Titus Sports Academy 

 

Challenge Course Facilitator

Florida State University

 

Academic Advisor

Florida State University

 

Cognitive Performance Coach

for US Army Special Operations Soldiers at Fort Bragg, NC

 

Communications Specialist 

GUIDE, Inc. 

 

Triple Play Contract Lead & Facilitator

Boys & Girls Clubs of America in partnership with Anthem Foundation, Coca-Cola, and GUIDE, Inc.

 

Adult Staff Liaison / Staff Development Team Member

Georgia Teen Institute

 

Service

GUIDE, Inc. & Georgia Teen Institute 

Volunteer: 2009 - current

 

CMPC®️ Certification Exam Review 

Subject Matter Expert: 2016-2018; 2021

 

AASP Web Presence Committee 

Member: 2017

Chair: 2018-2020 

 

AASP Business Ownership Special Interest Group

Member: 2018 - current

 

AASP Study & Practice of Supervision Special Interest Group

Member: 2020 - current 

 

AASP Webinars/Virtual Conference Committee 

Co-Chair: 2022 - current 

 

AASP-CSPA Job Analysis for the CMPC®️ Program

Subject Matter Expert: 2023