Shaping the Future: Helping Students & Athletes Build Confidence Through Mindset Training
Today’s athletes and students are under more pressure than ever: academically, socially, and athletically. Many struggle with self-doubt, fear of mistakes, performance anxiety, and the belief that confidence is something you either have or you don’t. Parents often see their child’s potential but feel unsure how to help when confidence wavers or stress takes over.
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Through mindset coaching and youth speaking, I help athletes and students develop the mental skills needed to build real confidence, resilience, focus, and emotional control—so they can perform well under pressure and grow into confident, capable young adults.
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My work focuses on teaching students how confidence is built, not just encouraging them to “believe more.” Using proven mindset strategies, students learn how to reset after mistakes, manage nerves, strengthen self-talk, and approach challenges with clarity and confidence both in the classroom and in competition.
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For parents, this work provides reassurance and structure. Instead of watching their child struggle internally, they see them gain tools to handle stress, communicate more effectively, and take ownership of their mindset and performance.
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Confidence begins in the mind. When athletes and students learn how to train their mindset with the same intention as their physical skills, they unlock their ability to perform, lead, and thrive, now and into the future.
Meet Kari Ehmer: Youth Mindset Coach & Leadership Speaker
Hi! I’m Kari Ehmer, Youth Mindset Coach & Confidence Speaker for Students and Athletes.
I help students and student-athletes build confidence, mental resilience, and the mindset skills they need to succeed in school, sports, and life.
As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Environmental Engineering and a former U.S. Army officer, I learned early the power of leadership, discipline, and performing under pressure. These experiences shaped my passion for teaching young people how to strengthen their mindset, manage adversity, and develop lifelong confidence.
Sports have been a central part of my journey. I competed as a Division I athlete in both basketball and softball and later captained a National Championship Team Handball team. In 2024, I was inducted into the South Saint Paul High School Hall of Fame for excellence in athletics. With more than 20 years of experience as a Sports Performance Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, I understand firsthand the mental challenges students and athletes face: fear of failure, pressure to perform, lack of confidence, and difficulty bouncing back from setbacks.
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Today, I work with students, student-athletes, schools, and athletic programs through mindset coaching, leadership training, and youth speaking programs that are practical, engaging, and results-driven. Parents, coaches, and school administrators hire me because I bring a rare blend of experience from athletics, military leadership, business, and coaching allowing me to connect with students in a way that is both relatable and credible.
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My programs help students and athletes learn how to:
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Build confidence and self-belief
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Develop mental toughness and resilience
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Improve focus and emotional control
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Strengthen leadership and teamwork skills
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Perform under pressure in academics and sports
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Create healthy routines and positive self-talk
Whether I’m leading a school assembly, working with an athletic team, or coaching students one-on-one, my mission is the same: to give young people the mindset tools they need to thrive—not just win games or pass tests, but grow into confident, capable leaders.
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Outside of my work, I’m a proud mom of three, a wife, and an active member of my community. I love working with kids, practicing yoga, hiking with my dog, traveling, and volunteering. These roles keep me grounded and deeply connected to the challenges families and students face every day.
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Confidence begins with mindset.
Whether on the court, in the classroom, or on stage, I am committed to empowering the next generation with the mindset, confidence, and resilience to succeed on and off the field.
