Where Performance Meets Psychology: Maiah Domask’s Approach to Athlete Support

Maiah Domask is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, along with a certificate in Mental Performance Consulting. Originally from Waupun, Wisconsin, Maiah is a former multi-sport athlete who played college basketball at UW–Platteville. Her personal experiences as an athlete, coach, and advocate for mental health have fueled her passion for helping others navigate the mental side of performance. From coaching youth sports to working with athletes across high school and collegiate levels, Maiah brings a teammate-first, person-centered approach to her work. She’s currently training for several half-marathons, finds joy in running, and shares life with her cat Zoe—her best friend and biggest source of calm.

Sara: Tell me a little about your journey into mental performance and counseling.

Maiah: I’ve always been drawn to mental health work. Back in 8th grade, I had a close friend who was struggling with depression and self-harm. That experience really shaped me—it gave me a “why.” I knew even then that I wanted to help others who were going through something similar. Then in college, I experienced my own stress and overwhelm as a student-athlete. That helped me realize how connected performance and mental health are, and it inspired me to pursue my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, with a certificate in Mental Performance Consulting.

Sara: What’s your background in sports?

Maiah: I played everything growing up, but in high school I focused on volleyball, basketball, and track at Waupun High School. I ended up playing college basketball at Platteville. It’s funny, because that wasn’t really the plan—I was set on going to Madison and stepping away from athletics, but then I broke my foot during my senior basketball season. I missed eight games and a lot of opportunities that year. That sense of unfinished business drove me to keep playing. Coming from a basketball family, it was also a way for us to stay connected—my dad coached all of us, and it’s always been a big part of my life.

Sara: How does your athletic background influence your work now?

Maiah: It helps me relate to athletes in a really authentic way. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, to push yourself, and to feel the pressure of performing. That experience allows me to build trust quickly. Whether I’m working with swimmers, softball players, strength coaches, or teams at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee or high schools like Muskego and Shorewood, I try to take a teammate approach. I’m person-centered—I let the athlete lead, and I’m there to guide and support them. Building rapport is everything.

Sara: What kinds of stress do you see most often in athletes?

Maiah: A big one is time and stress management. Athletes have so much on their plates—school, sports, family, social life, maybe even jobs. They’re often high-achieving and don’t want to let anyone down, which adds pressure. It’s this constant drive to do everything perfectly, and that can be exhausting.

Sara: How does that stress show up mentally and physically?

Maiah: Physically, you’ll see muscle tension, fatigue, trouble sleeping—all signs that the somatic system is impacted. Mentally, it’s things like difficulty focusing, self-doubt, lower self-esteem, racing thoughts. When there’s too much going on in your head, it’s really hard to stay present in your sport.

Sara: Is all stress bad?

Maiah: Definitely not. One of the core things we talk about in performance consulting is that not all stress is harmful. Every athlete has a different “optimal zone” where they perform their best. Some need to feel pumped up, others need to be more calm and centered. The goal is to help each athlete find that sweet spot using techniques like deep breathing, box breathing, or even quick, energizing strategies like rapid-fire breathing.

Sara: What are your go-to strategies for managing stress before or during competition?

Maiah: Breathing techniques are huge, but I also recommend visualization—mentally walking through your performance—and daily affirmations. Listening to music, reading, or other grounding techniques help too. The most important thing is to practice these strategies ahead of time, just like you would any physical skill.

Sara: How do you help athletes develop resilience and confidence?

Maiah: Resilience comes from preparation and reflection. You can’t just hope to perform well in high-pressure situations—you have to simulate them in practice. That might mean adding pressure reps at the end of a drill, or practicing with distractions. Afterward, reflecting on what went well and what didn’t helps build that mental strength over time.

Sara: How do mindfulness and visualization fit into all of this?

Maiah: Mindfulness helps keep you grounded in the present. It quiets the spiraling thoughts. Breathing helps regulate your nervous system—whether you need to calm down or get energized. And visualization is all about mental reps. When your brain has rehearsed a moment over and over, your body is more prepared to execute it when it counts.

Sara: What about managing negative self-talk?

Maiah: I use a simple three-step Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) technique. First, identify the negative thought. Second, stop—imagine a literal stop sign. And third, reframe it into something more positive or useful. That repetition helps athletes shift the way they think about themselves and their performance.

Sara: How can coaches support athletes’ mental well-being?

Maiah: One of the most powerful things coaches can do is model the behavior they want to see—emotional regulation, positive mindset, embracing mistakes. Creating a space where athletes feel safe to mess up, learn, and grow is huge. Open communication is just as important.

Sara: What advice would you give to athletes who feel pressure from parents or coaches?

Maiah: That’s tough because it’s so common. Setting boundaries is key—being able to communicate your needs and limits. I also remind athletes to reconnect with why they started playing in the first place. When you remember your own “why,” it becomes easier to tune out the noise and play for yourself.

Sara: How do youth athletes experience stress differently from adults?

Maiah: Younger athletes often don’t have the language to express what they’re feeling, so stress shows up in their bodies or behavior—headaches, stomach aches, irritability. Adults tend to be more aware but experience more burnout because of added responsibilities—work, family, etc.

Sara: What are some signs of burnout?

Maiah: Losing enjoyment in the sport, constant fatigue, irritability, changes in mood. Burnout can increase the risk of injury too, so knowing when to take a step back is really important.

Sara: How can parents support their kids in handling sports-related stress?

Maiah: First and foremost—validate their feelings. Let them know their emotions are real and okay. Create space for communication, make sure their schedule includes downtime, prioritize sleep and nutrition. Coaches can help by focusing on growth and effort, not just outcomes.

Sara: What’s your take on recovery and mental health days?

Maiah: I fully support them—as long as they’re used intentionally. A mental break is just as valid as a physical one. Whether it’s catching up on rest, schoolwork, or just decompressing, it’s all part of staying healthy and balanced.

Sara: What’s helped you personally find that balance?

Maiah: Listening to my body and being honest with myself. I’ve had to learn to set boundaries, say no when I need to, and make time for things that fill my cup—like running, spending time with friends, or just hanging out with my cat Zoe. It’s all about consistency.

Sara: What’s one message you’d want to share with an athlete who’s struggling?

Maiah: You’re not alone, and what you’re feeling is valid. Just like we train physically, we need to train mentally too. Reaching out for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength. The hardest part is starting, but that step changes everything.

Sara: Any favorite resources or books you recommend?

Maiah: Definitely! I love The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow, Mind Gym by Gary Mack, and Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf. For mindfulness and meditation, I always recommend the Headspace and Calm apps—both have great free content too.

Sara: Is there a myth about mental health in sports you’d like to break?

Maiah: That struggling mentally means you’re weak. In reality, recognizing and working through those struggles is one of the strongest things you can do. We need to normalize these conversations—because when people feel safe to open up, they get the support they need.