Shaping the Future
As a mental performance coach and youth motivational speaker, I am dedicated to shaping the next generation by empowering them to excel in every aspect of their lives and reach their peak performance. I help students, coaches, and parents understand how to build confidence, mental resilience, and the mindset needed for students to succeed in and out of the classroom.
With a focus on physical and mental preparation, students realize their potential and open their minds to believe in their ability to achieve anything. Through mental preparation I reveal how simple, yet powerful mental skills can boost academic performance, resilience, and self-esteem.
Confidence begins in the mind. Students become equipped to make mindset their greatest advantage and overcome the mental barriers that limit potential.
Meet Kari
Hi! I’m Kari Ehmer, a youth motivational speaker, mental performance coach, and mentor dedicated to helping students build confidence, mental resilience, and the mindset needed to succeed in life. I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Environmental Engineering and served in the U.S. Army, where I learned firsthand the importance of leadership, discipline, and performing under pressure.
Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I competed as a Division I athlete in both basketball and softball and later had the honor of captaining a National Championship Team Handball team. In October 2024, I was inducted into the South Saint Paul High School Hall of Fame for excellence in sports, recognizing my achievements in basketball, softball, and volleyball. My passion for performance and mental toughness led me to become a Sports Performance Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, a career I’ve thrived in and loved for over 20 years. I’ve also gained valuable experience in business through everything from high pressure sales and consulting roles to running a successful sustainability business with my mom.
Now, as a mental performance coach, youth motivational speaker, and mentor, I specialize in helping students, athletes, coaches, and parents develop the confidence and mental edge students need to thrive under pressure. Drawing from my experiences in athletics, the military, business, and coaching, I share powerful and relatable lessons that inspire and equip young competitors to reach their full potential.
Outside of my work, I’m a proud mom of three amazing kids and married to a strong, supportive husband. I love working with kids, practicing yoga, hiking with my dog, traveling, and giving back through volunteering in the community.
Whether on the court, in the gym, or on stage, my mission is clear: to empower the next generation with the mindset and confidence to succeed—on and off the field.
Kari's Talks
Mindset Matters: Making Confidence Your Competitive Advantage
Confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened. In this engaging talk, athletes, students, parents, and coaches will discover how mindset shapes performance in school, sports, and life.
Learn practical strategies to build self-belief, handle pressure, and push past self-doubt. With real-world examples and actionable tools, this session will empower attendees to turn confidence into a lasting competitive edge. Walk away ready to break mental barriers and unlock your full potential!
Confidence Under Pressure: The Mental Edge Every Student Needs
Pressure is inevitable—but confidence is a choice. In this engaging and practical talk, students will discover how to develop a strong mindset, manage stress, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Through real-world strategies and mental conditioning techniques, they’ll learn how to perform their best under pressure. Parents and educators will also gain insights on fostering resilience and confidence at home and in the classroom, empowering the next generation to thrive in any situation.
The Power of Teamwork: How Mindset Builds Stronger Teams
Great teams are built by a group of individuals who choose the right mindset. This presentation explores how shifting our personal mindset from “me” to “we” can transform any group into a stronger, more connected team.
By focusing on positivity, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to support others, participants will discover how their individual choices influence team motivation, communication, and collaboration. Whether in sports, school, or life, teamwork starts with you—and grows when you put others first.
Coaching with Kari
Small Group Mindshift Coaching
In small group coaching sessions, I guide students through a four-step process designed to transform their mindset into their greatest competitive advantage. These sessions are interactive and empowering, using both individual and group activities to help students recognize and reframe limiting beliefs. Together, we work to unlock the "I can't" mindset and replace it with confidence, clarity and purpose.
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Each step of the process is rooted in practical application where students don't just learn strategies, they use them. We turn setbacks into opportunities by using failures as a fuel for resilience and growth. The goal isn't just to set goals, but to develop the mindset, habits, and belief system necessary to achieve them and build a new path forward with confidence.
1:1 Confidence Coaching
Drawing from my own experiences in leadership, discipline, and high-pressure performance—as an athlete, coach, military officer, and business owner—I offer personalized 1:1 confidence coaching designed to meet each client where they are.
Whether you're navigating self-doubt, preparing for a major event, or striving to reach your next level, I help you build a mindset rooted in clarity, courage, and consistency. Through tailored strategies and proven mental performance techniques, you'll learn to channel pressure into purpose and develop confidence that lasts—on the field, in the classroom, or in everyday life. Just like physical performance, confidence is built through intentional practice. Mental training is not a luxury—it's a necessity for those who want to rise above average.
Peak Performance Team Coaching
In this team-based coaching experience, we apply my proven five-step Peak Performance Process to develop a Team Playbook for Confidence. Together we move through the five levels of Peak Performance using interactive drills that make each level practical, engaging, and applicable to real game situations.
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We focus on building a strong team mindset by exploring essential tools like goal setting, visualization, positive self-talk, and reset routines. Each level is designed to align your team's mental performance with their physical performance so they can show up focused, confident, and connected when it matters most.
Student Testimonials
“Coach Kari inspires me, helps me create strategies to pursue my dreams, and has opened my mind to new possibilities.”
Della Simpson
Coaching Client, Mindset and MindMovies
“Kari taught me not only about the game, but also about your mental state while playing. She taught me lessons I will carry with me forever.”
