From Coach-In-Conflict to Calm + Confident Leader:
How Pete Mleziva Found His Flow with the Mindset Coach Academy
“I always believed in the mental game… but this helped me actually teach it—and live it. It changed everything.”
-Pete Mleziva-
Meet Pete
As a former athlete, marathon runner and high school basketball coach, Pete Mleziva knew the mental side of the game mattered. But even with a deep understanding of performance psychology from all the books he read and research he did, he still found himself struggling—worn down by perfectionism, overidentifying with outcomes, and second-guessing his coaching decisions.
He didn’t just want to believe in the mental game—he wanted to coach it clearly and confidently. When he found the Mindset Coach Academy (MCA), he knew it was the right next step—but still wondered:
“Do I really need another certification? Will this actually change anything?”
Spoiler: it did.
Breakthrough #1: Learning It for Himself
Before Pete could lead others more effectively, he had to do the mindset work himself.
In Phase 1 of MCA, Pete uncovered thought patterns around control, perfectionism, and self-worth that had long affected his identity as a coach. Tools like the TEAR Process and visualization not only supported his own emotional regulation but gave him clarity on how to model these strategies for his athletes.
He described it as a reclamation of calm and confidence—not just in games, but in life.
“I thought I was joining to get tools for my team—but the first few modules helped me shift how I think, coach, and lead. I wasn’t expecting the level of personal growth that came with it."
Breakthrough #2:Â Becoming The Coach
Despite being a seasoned coach, Pete admitted:
“I was nervous to actually coach someone using these new tools. What if I messed up?”
Through practice and support, he realized that mindset coaching isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Once he embraced curiosity over pressure, the shift happened. He led his first sessions with clarity, compassion, and an ability to hold space in powerful new ways.
Breakthrough #3: Building the Business
At first, Pete didn’t even think about launching a coaching business.
But the business modules in Phase 3 helped him realize:
“I’ve been doing this work already. Now I actually know how to structure it, price it, and offer it in a way that serves.”
He started taking on private clients and integrating mindset coaching into his existing roles with his own athletes and other youth programs. With tools from MCA, Pete no longer felt like he was “winging it”—he had a repeatable system he could trust.
Support System:
The Power of Community
“The community inside MCA is one of the best parts of the program.”
Despite being a male coach in a female-led container, Pete felt welcomed, encouraged, and challenged.
He leaned on the group for support during moments of self-doubt and celebrated wins alongside fellow coaches building their own paths.
“You’re not just learning from the modules—you’re learning from each other. Everyone’s invested in growth.”
Who is He Now
Pete isn’t just a better mindset coach—he’s a more grounded human being.
His athletes now benefit from proven mental performance tools like reset routines, thought reframing, and visualization, and Pete now offers private sessions in addition to his team coaching.
“This work changed how I show up as a husband, a dad, a coach, a teacher. I’m more calm. More present. More me."
“If you're even thinking about MCA… just do it. It’s the best investment I’ve made in myself—and it’s changed how I lead in every part of life.”
Pete’s next chapter? Continuing to integrate mindset coaching into sports leadership, while building a deeper foundation for long-term impact—one athlete, team, and parent at a time.
Ready To Lead Like Pete?
Discover the certification program that helped him transform from conflicted coach to calm and confident leader.
Learn More About The Mindset Coach Academy