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The International Mental Game Coaching Association

News Release: December 22, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, and an expert on sport psychology, was interviewed in Australiasia's #1 Mixed Martial Arts publication, Blitz Magazine for the feature article "Mind Games And How To Win Them" by writer Ben Stone.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of Mixed Martial Arts athletes in Australiasia's #1 Mixed Martial Arts publication, Blitz Magazine for the feature article "Mind Games And How To Win Them" by writer Ben Stone, which was published in the December 2016-February 2017 issue.

In a feature article entitled "Mind Games And How To Win Them", internationally-known mental game coach Bill Cole describes the mental make-up of MMA champions.

Blitz Magazine, Australasia's #1 Martial Arts magazine said:

"Bill Cole is one of the leading performance psychology experts in the USA."

The article's aim was to give readers insight into how a sport psychologist trains top MMA fighters, and how the sport has evolved to the spectacle it is today. Bill was tapped to give his expert analysis based on his appearance as the sport psychologist in the documentary movie, The Hurt Business:

Bill was asked these questions:

  1. Do you find there is anything psychologically unique about them as a group, compared to elite athletes from other sports?

  2. You have told of being concerned for fighters’ mental wellbeing to the point that you fear they might suicide, and we’ve heard fighters like Ronda Rousey talk openly of facing depression to that level. How is it that those we perceive as having incredible mental strength — much greater than average, and enough to go through years of hard training, grinding fight camps and the stress of getting in the ring where getting hurt is almost certain — can simultaneously be inclined to fall apart after a loss? Is this a typical reaction for people in those circumstances or particular to certain high-achieving personalities perhaps?

  3. Looking at Gary Goodridge’s story as an example, do you think this increased knowledge of brain injury and the associated dangers of fighting have a positive effect on fighters’ abilities to mentally prepare for, and endure, a bout, or can it undermine the confidence and ability to perform by amplifying the perceived threat (and fear thereof)? And how would you recommend a fighter tackle this?

  4. Do you think it’s a positive thing that fighters are now developing a greater awareness and heightened sense of caution around taking punishment to the head?

  5. In martial arts/MMA academies, most instructors teach in a class environment that places necessary limitations on personal interaction with each student. With this in mind, how can martial arts instructors best help their students with the mental game?

  6. Further to this, how can students help themselves? Is sports psychology coaching a luxury for the professional athlete who’s playing for high stakes, or is it a worthwhile investment for the everyman/woman playing amateur sports for leisure?

  7. The Hurt Business movie you were in delved into the dark side of an MMA fighter's existence, which we don't often see. What's your personal opinion on the sport of MMA in the USA and how those running it on the business side treat the athletes and trainers?

"Bill Cole is a leading Olympic sports psychologist".
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach."

He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 18 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 80 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 35 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: December 12, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


The International Mental Game Coaching Association Announces Shafizal Shahidan Is A New Level I Certified Coach.


Shafizal Shahidan based in Indonesia, has earned the Level I Certification from the International Mental Game Coaching Association training program. Shafizal was awarded the title of Certified Mental Game Instructor, CMGI.

Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of IMGCA stated,

Shafizal Shahidan is an amazing trainer, trainer of trainers, coach, facilitator, speaker, course creator and developer, writer and sportsperson. She does this work across a wide variety of audiences. I was very excited to see Shafizal's application come in to IMGCA because I could tell right away that she was a person of wide and deep experience. I knew then that she would do a fantastic job synthesizing and applying IMGCA content to her corporate, government and other work. I guessed correctly. Shafizal has indeed already made wonderful application of the IMGCA structure and methods to her clients. In her Level I IMGCA project for graduation, she taught IMGCA mental game principles and techniques to stressed-out badminton players who improved enough to experience incredible improvements in tournament play, in a short period of time.

Shafizal is very curious and a great listener. She and I had wonderful discussions about a wide array of performance psychology approaches. She is very passionate about human potential. She loves sports and she loves working with people who want to explore their passion to reach and display their best whether it's in business or life. Shafizal gets a lot of satisfaction from working with young people. She has three young nieces and a nephew who play on a junior badminton squad. They were a large part of her motivation to be certified by the IMGCA.

Shafizal wanted to learn more about how to teach winning mindsets and how to coach better in sports and business. The IMGCA approach and structure was very attractive to her and she was very excited to begin her journey as a mental game coach. Shafizal's research Interests include human potential, character building, and transformational experiential learning.

I know Shafizal will continue to grow dramatically as a coach. She is truly committed to learning all she can, across a wide range of disciplines. She has a thorough grasp of mental game theory and a real knack for delivering services to people. She has a wonderful ability to explain complicated material in such simple terms that people immediately understand it, and can use it. I also know that she will continue to create and produce very valuable and practical training programs for people. It was a pleasure having Shafizal in the program.


Shafizal Shahidan Shafizal was active in two sports, badminton and softball. In badminton she was a school player (Primary & Secondary). Shafizal represented her college and played for her Uni Club. She was a pitcher in softball and a State player (Pitcher and 1st base).

Shafizal went through a one year mentoring program with the trainers and coaches in transformational experiential learning to be able to deliver TOT in Malaysian National Service. She learned about Theory and Methodology of experiential learning and understanding how the beliefs system was formed and how they work. She learned coaching using the GROW model.

Most of Shafizal's work revolves around creating awareness about the thoughts, actions and how to move forward achieving goals in business and life. She does coaching for Personal Leadership using elements of EQ, Mind and Emotions.

Shafizal holds a BSc (Honors) in Combined Studies, in Accounting from De Montfort University, in Leicester UK. She is a Certified Attitude Profile Advisor License M0907509, Winning Attitude.

Shafizal has been a Trainer of Trainers in Character Building for the Malaysian National Service (Pioneer Batch) and she has been a Master Trainer and Coach for the Malaysian National Service (NS). She trained about 2,000 NS Trainers all over the country and selected, developed and coached Master Trainers to deliver TOT.

Shafizal is a Corporate Trainer, delivering the Personal Leadership Program, High Performing Team Program, Core Values Program, Character and Attitude Program, Employability and Personal Branding for corporate clients and universities.

Shafizal is also a Catalyst Creator, designing a CSR Program, Building Character through English in Indonesia, training and coaching Knowledge Catalysts to deliver the program throughout Indonesia.

Learn more at Shafizal's LinkedIn page.

Level I IMGCA certification requires two hours of live private telephonic 1-1 coaching with Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President. Students also have access to over 70 hours of IMGCA pre-recorded audio classes and over 450 mental training videotapes. Each student completes reading assignments, written homework, practical application of the class content and coaching practicum with groups, teams and individuals as applicable and coaching feedback evaluations. Each student passes the IMGCA Level I certification written examination, or writes a final paper or creates and submits a final project.

This sport psychology certification training is provided by the International Mental Game Coaching Association, based in Cupertino, California. The IMGCA was the first international mental game coaching membership organization, created January 1, 2006. It remains the only international mental game coaching membership organization in the world today. The mission of the International Mental Game Coaching Association is to advance the research, development, professionalism, and growth of the discipline of mental game coaching worldwide. The IMGCA is comprised of individuals and institutions interested in sports, movement, health, fitness, business, the arts, achievement, work-life balance, stress control, and peak performance. IMGCA members come from all walks of life, and have varied backgrounds in sports performance, coaching, teaching, writing, business and consulting. They are professionals, students, parents, and interested observers of the mental game.


News Release: November 18, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association and an expert on sport psychology, was interviewed in Metro International Newspaper, for the article "The Future Of Sport Psychology", by writer Dmitry Belyaev.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of fitness in Metro International Newspaper for the article "The Future Of Sport Psychology" by writer Dmitry Belyaev. The article was published on November 18, 2016..

In an article entitled "The Future Of Sport Psychology", internationally-known mental game coach Bill Cole talked about what was to come in the mental arena of sport.

The newspaper said, "Bill Cole is an expert in the psychology of sport."

Bill was asked these questions:

  1. Are the genetic enhancements a future of sports? Why yes/no?

  2. If it happens, what are the possible effects this will have on sports?

  3. Will sports be more fair, if those participating were genetically enhanced? Why yes/no?

  4. There are also technical enhancements. Could they also be used in sports in the future? Will it be for good? Why yes/no?

  5. What’s next? What to expect? How will sports be changing, in your opinion?


Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach."

He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 18 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 80 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 35 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: November 3, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, is interviewed as a sport psychology expert in FedEx Updates by writer Dan Heilman.


Bill Cole, MS, MA was interviewed as a sport psychology expert in FedEx Updates in an article entitled "The Psychology of Success" by writer Dan Heilman. Bill was asked for advice on how to transfer the concepts and tools of sports psychology to business success.

Some specific questions asked of Bill:

  1. How do the principles of sports psychology transfer to the business world?

  2. Are there mental characteristics that are shared by successful people in sports and in business?

  3. What are some exercises in this area that people in business can use to increase their chances of success?

Bill related how he is often hired by parents who want him to put their teenager through a "Teen bootcamp" or "Teen finishing school". He also does this with executives and businesspeople who want to work on business skills, life skills and sports skills simultaneously.

Bill described the top differentiating factors that separate the very top performers from the rest of the field. They are: a deep will to win, the ability to push themselves past their limits, and mental toughness.

Bill also talked about a number of the elements of the zone.

Other experts quoted in the article include

Dr. Frederick Neff, director of ProFormance:
http://www.ProFormance-Inc.com/

Siimon Reynolds, an executive coach and entrepreneur coach:
http://siimonreynolds.com/


"Bill Cole is a leading Olympic sports psychologist".
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach."

He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 18 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 80 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 35 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: October 18, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


The International Mental Game Coaching Association Announces Zuzana Radacovska, MA Is A New Level I Certified Coach.


Zuzana Radacovska, MA, based in London, England has earned the Level I Certification from the International Mental Game Coaching Association training program. Zuzana was awarded the title of Certified Mental Game Instructor.

Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of IMGCA stated,

It was a delight to have Zuzana enter the IMGCA certification program. She was already a highly accomplished psychologist and biofeedback and neuro feedback expert, so I was very interested in discovering her perspective on the world of sport psychology and peak performance. Zuzana approaches her work with a wonderful, big heart and compassion and understanding for what people are going through as they live life. She not only is a true mental health professional, with all that brings, but she opens her clients to her own inner world and shares from her heart. Zuzana has great powers of perception and insight into people, and she combines that with her diagnostic abilities and her many modalities of treatment.

Zuzana distinguished herself in the IMGCA program by bringing in a multitude of perspectives and philosophies that gave her work a distinctive creative flair. She has wonderful research and writing skills, and is an experienced speaker, trainer and teacher. I really enjoyed our sessions very much and always looked forward to Zuzana's thoughtful contributions.

With her strong psychology background, Zuzana blazed through the certification, and was able to take deep dives into many subjects. She wrote a fantastic final project around her mental golf workshop, and added a wide variety of elements to give it her unique flavor.

I can see Zuzana doing some really big things in this field. I see her continuing to research, write, speak, train and coach. She has a very fertile and creative approach to her work and I know she will make a major impact for years to come.

Zuzana Radocovska, MA
Her website: www.hebiofeedback.co.uk

Zuzana Radacovska, MA is an experienced psychologist, biofeedback and stress management practitioner.

After attaining a degree in Psychology at Presov University in Slovakia (focusing on the field of health related behavior, stress and chronic pain) and working as a member of a professional team of doctors and psychologists, Zuzana was an active participant in chronic pain and anxiety research which was consequently published in a number of medical journals.

Zuzana also worked as a psychologist in a Juvenile Justice Centre. Zuzana was already working as a biofeedback trainer and mental coach and wanted to enhance her qualifications and knowledge to be able to deliver better service to her clients.

Zuzana is a psychologist and mental coach in the UK and Slovakia (the country of her origin). She played various sports in her childhood such as tennis, football, ice-skating, handball and basketball. She still actively participates in sports such as cycling, fitness and swimming.

Currently she works with amateur, elite athletes and Olympians in the UK and Slovakia within the sports of sprint kayak and canoe, judo, swimming, motor racing, football and golf. Zuzana is the sport psychologist for the elite Slovak sprint kayak team, and mentally prepared a K1 athlete Peter Gelle in his preparation for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Zuzana has additional areas of interest apart of mental coaching which are injury recovery, brain training, concussions, mental health issues in sport and retirement.

In her work Zuzana uses her skills from psychology, stress management and biofeedback and neurofeedback. She holds an MA in psychology, and Advanced diploma in stress management, is a certified biofeedback sport professional and is also a qualified health and nutrition professional.

She uses a wide-ranging combination of her knowledge and experience within sport, She combines psycho-physiology, neuroscience, psychology and coaching skills to deliver the best quality support to her clients. If the circumstances allow, she uses bio and neurofeedback as a part of her mental coaching to help clients improve focus, resilience, sleep, and the ability to effectively manage stress, distractions, self-talk and emotions, etc.

Zuzana uses deep relaxation to help them remove blocks to performance, fears and issues around injury. As a qualified psychologist she also helps them deal with personal and professional issues.

Zuzana is also a certified teacher and trainer so she has professional qualifications to deliver lectures and workshop within the field of psychology and biofeedback.

Zuzana's other sport psychology activities:

  • Helping a young judo player return back to the sport after an injury.

  • Working with a semi-professional racing driver to improve his racing performance.

  • Delivering biofeedback in golf workshop and sessions to elite and amateur golfers and coaches in the UK.

  • Delivering presentations and lectures to sport science and sport psychology college students on the application of biofeedback in sport.

  • Actively participating in mental health, retirement in sport, and concussions projects helping to raise awareness, reduce stigma and effectively deal with the issues.

Following her interest in stress related disorders and brain physiology she decided to enhance her knowledge in the specific areas of biofeedback and neurofeedback. Zuzana went on to receive further training in stress management and biofeedback and successfully completed a number of programs:

  • Certificate in Neurofeedback therapy awarded by EEG Info, California.

  • Advanced Diploma in Professional Stress Management at the College of Integrated Therapies.

  • Practitioners training in biofeedback and neurofeedback from the Society of Applied Neuroscience.

  • Quantitative EEG, Event Related Potential and Neurotherapy Course awarded by Prof. Jury D. Kropotov.

  • Certificate in Relaxation therapy at The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy.

  • Certificate in Personal Coaching with The UK Coaching Academy.

  • IOSH Managing Safely: Certificate in Health and Safety Management.

  • Certificate in Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback awarded by Prof. Richard Gevirtz, PhD.

  • The Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning sector (PTLLS) at Hertford Regional College.

  • HeartMath® Certificate for Sport Professional to coach individuals on 1:1 bases in sport.

  • Compassion Fatigue Specialist Training issued by Traumatology Institute in Canada.

  • Level 2 Certificate in Health and Nutrition, Blackpool College.

Zuzana is an associate of these organizations:

Beyond the Barriers, a leading peak performance company, training top athletes and business executives:
www.beyondthebarriers.co.uk/who-are-we/our-team/

Associate Wellness Consultant of Sports13, expert providers of health, engagement & wellness services.

A professional partner to MetisAthlete, an Athlete Management company which provides athletes the best counsel and wise wisdom available to ensure high performance on the world stage:
metisathlete.com/

Associate Neurofeedback Therapist of the brain training company BrainTrainUK:
www.braintrainuk.com/

A contributor to a unique project dedicated to retired athletes helping them deal with the challenges of retirement - Crossing the line:
crossingthelinesport.com/

Accredited member of the Guild for Stress Management and Trauma Specialists:
gsmts.co.uk/

Level I IMGCA certification requires two hours of live private telephonic 1-1 coaching with Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President. Students also have access to over 70 hours of IMGCA pre-recorded audio classes and over 450 mental training videotapes. Each student completes reading assignments, written homework, practical application of the class content and coaching practicum with groups, teams and individuals as applicable and coaching feedback evaluations. Each student passes the IMGCA Level I certification written examination, or writes a final paper or creates and submits a final project.

This sport psychology certification training is provided by the International Mental Game Coaching Association, based in Cupertino, California. The IMGCA was the first international mental game coaching membership organization, created January 1, 2006. It remains the only international mental game coaching membership organization in the world today. The mission of the International Mental Game Coaching Association is to advance the research, development, professionalism, and growth of the discipline of mental game coaching worldwide. The IMGCA is comprised of individuals and institutions interested in sports, movement, health, fitness, business, the arts, achievement, work-life balance, stress control, and peak performance. IMGCA members come from all walks of life, and have varied backgrounds in sports performance, coaching, teaching, writing, business and consulting. They are professionals, students, parents, and interested observers of the mental game.


News Release: October 2, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, appeared on the big screen nationwide in the film "The Hurt Business" by Director Vlad Yudin, as an expert on sport psychology.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, appeared on the big screen in the film "The Hurt Business" with Director Vlad Yudin. The United States national premier date was October 2, 2016.

The Hurt Business is narrated by Academy Award winner Kevin Costner and stars Bas Rutten, Jon Jones, Randy Couture, Ronda Rousey, Georges St-Pierre, Chuck Liddell, Kenny Florian, Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, Bruce Buffer, Big John McCarthy, Urijah Faber, Rashad Evans, Josh Barnett, Donald Cerrone, Don Frye, Jay Hieron, Fabricio Werdum, Rorion Gracie, Matt Serra, Michael Chandler, Scott Coker, Luke Rockhold, Fabricio Werdum, Jay Hieron, Sara McMann, Scott Coker, Ben Askren and others. View complete cast on IMDB.

Bill Cole and Vlad Yudin
Bill Cole and Vlad Yudin, Director of the
film documentary The Hurt Business,
on location in Hollywood.


Bill Cole and Vlad Yudin
Bill Cole and Director Vlad Yudin
after Bill appeared before the cameras.

In 2014 mental game coach Bill was invited to fly to Hollywood to be on camera for a film documentary, named The Hurt Business. The film is coming out in September 29, 2016 all across the world. Bill was asked about the psychological dimensions of the MMA phenomenon. Bill talked about the zone, the stress, why people choke, the pressures of being in the spotlight, how MMA fighters train their minds, how they handle setbacks and injuries and how they manage their career paths from a mental perspective.

"The Hurt Business" was created by the same producers of "Bowling for Columbine", "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Generation Iron". The film examines the explosive trajectory of mixed martial arts fighting through the eyes of today's top stars, and recent past stars of the sport.

The film analyzes the people involved in the world of MMA, looks at their personal lives, how they train, and gauges the mental and physical damage they’ve suffered. The film interviewed sports psychologists, neurologists and sociologists, and government officials for their insights. One conclusion is that fame in MMA is a very hard and unforgiving road.

View the trailer from that movie project.

Bill's voice can be heard at 1:11: "I get people crying in my office, thinking their life is over, because they've lost a really big match. I've even worried about a few people--suicide."

Additional web references:

"The Hurt Business" on IMDB

"The Hurt Business" on Facebook

"The Hurt Business" on Instagram

"The Hurt Business" on the Vladar Company

Vlad Yudin on Wikipedia

For some time, Bill Cole has coached professional fighters, US Open competitors, members of US National Junior Teams, US World teams, and state, regional and national competitors in martial arts. Here are a few comments from his Martial Arts coaching clients.

"Bill Cole is a leading Olympic sports psychologist".
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: July 28, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association and an expert on sport psychology, was interviewed in the BBC iWonder online Magazine for the article "Are Olympic champions born or made?" by writer Peter Crutchley.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of Olympic athletes in the BBC iWonder online Magazine (British Broadcasting Corporation) for the article "Are Olympic champions born or made?" by writer Peter Crutchley, published on July 28, 2016.

In an article entitled "Are Olympic champions born or made?" internationally-known mental game coach Bill Cole describes the mental make-up of Olympic champions. Bill coached at the 2012 Olympics in London, by remote video. His Team USA diver won the US Olympic Trials and went on to win Bronze at those Olympics. Bill will once again be coaching the same Olympic diver at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) said "Bill Cole is a leading Olympic sports psychologist".

The article's aim was to reveal the mindset of an Olympic champion by using an interactive infographic web magazine. The article asks what it takes to be an Olympic athlete. Bill was tapped to give expert analysis as the sport psychologist.

The article was presented by famed British runner Mo Farah, who made history by becoming a double Olympic champion.

Mo Farah is the most decorated athlete in British sport history, with seven global titles, and he was the first British athlete to win two gold medals at the same world championships.

Farah's five gold medals at the European Athletics Championships make him the most successful individual athlete in championship history. In both 2011 and 2012 he was the European Athlete of the Year. Five times he has been the British Athletics Writers Association British Athlete of the Year. This is more than any other athlete.

Bill was asked these questions:

  1. What are the key elements that make up an Olympic Champion?

  2. Are Olympic champions BORN or MADE, or a combination of both?

  3. How do you think Olympic champions are able to cope with the extreme pressure and expectation that comes from being in an Olympic final, in order for them to produce their optimum performance on the biggest stage?

  4. In your opinion what are the reasons that other equally talented athletes may not be able to do that?

  5. Is the absence of self-doubt crucial for a top-level athlete ahead of an Olympic final? Does having a good routine, rituals help with that?

  6. Do you think being able to psyche out your opponents can be an important part of an Olympic champion's arsenal?

"Bill Cole is a leading Olympic sports psychologist".
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: June 3, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association and an expert on sport psychology, was interviewed in the Varsity Views online magazine for the article "So You Didn’t Make The Team–What’s Next?" by writer Stephen Kerr.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of being cut from a sports team in the Varsity Views on line magazine for the article "So You Didn’t Make The Team–What’s Next?" by writer Stephen Kerr, published on June 3, 2016.

Bill was interviewed for an article that was published on Varsityviews.com, a site geared toward high school athletes, parents and coaches. The article examined how children can overcome the disappointment and feelings of failure associated with not making a team. Bill was asked these questions:

  1. In your experience, do most high school or younger athletes handle not making the team well, and what sets them apart from kids who don’t?

  2. What are some common long-term signs this experience will have a lasting effect?

  3. What steps can kids take to overcome the feelings of failure? If you know of any examples or success stories, feel free to share them (without divulging names or other private information).

  4. What can parents do to encourage their child to either try out again next year or pick something else they can enjoy?

Part of Bill's advice was to answer these key questions:

Why didn't you make the team, and did the coach or anyone else have opinions as to why you didn't?

If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently, and do you think you could succeed?

What did you learn from this experience?

What will you do differently to benefit from the wisdom you gained?

Also interviewed was Dr. Trent A. Petrie, licensed psychologist, sport consultant and director of the University of North Texas Center for Sports Psychology.

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine


Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: May 18, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


International Mental Game Coaching Association Founder and President Bill Cole, MS, MA, an expert on sport psychology, was interviewed in Men's Fitness Magazine for the article "Here's Why You Should Never Wait To Feel Like Working Out: Inspiration Can Be A Fleeting And Unreliable Emotion — So Find Another Reason To Hit The Gym.", by writer David Wescott.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of fitness in Men's Fitness Magazine for the article "Here's Why You Should Never Wait To Feel Like Working Out: Inspiration Can Be A Fleeting And Unreliable Emotion — So Find Another Reason To Hit The Gym.", by writer David Wescott. The article was published on May 18, 2016.

In Men's Fitness magazine there is a section called "Ask Men's Fitness" where readers write in with questions, and the magazine consults an expert to help answer them.

Bill was asked this question: "I didn’t feel like going to the gym after work the other day, and a coworker said to me, "Hey — motivation follows action." Is that true, or was he just, you know, blowing smoke?"

Here is Bill's response: I deal with this on an almost daily basis with my clients who need more self-discipline in their lives, particularly when it comes to fitness. They sometimes really just don't feel like working out some days. What to do? Well, motivation follows action. Here's how. I suggest they tell themselves to simply do a highly shortened workout. Maybe only ten minutes of stretching or cardio. That way they can at least say they "worked out" that day. And they also will have had the partial satisfaction of "doing something healthy". After all, who doesn't have ten minutes, right? So they do this ten minutes either at the gym or in their home and before they know it, they think to themselves, "You know, I'm here, I'm already dressed in fitness gear, and actually, this isn't so bad (action gives traction), and this is going OK (flow kicks in) so far, so let me do another ten minutes." They do this and by now the endorphins have kicked in and they often go into a full-blown, regular workout.

So motivation followed action. And once the action kicked in, physiology took over to create a better mood and energy (endorphins) and inertia also showed up (I'm here, I might as well keep going) and they convinced themselves mentally that this workout is good and why not continue.

This sort of structured, strategic plan is far more powerful than self-discipline, any day. We all have a limited supply of self-discipline and it can vary daily. You can never argue with strategy, inertia and physiology.

The formula I teach is called Action—Traction—Momentum—Velocity: ATMV

First DO something simple and controllable that creates action. Then you will feel you've grabbed onto something solid and good. Then you will create flow and automatic progress. Then you will come up to a higher speed and enter the zone of that activity. Just like a peak-performing athlete.


Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: May 10, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, was interviewed in the BBC iWonder online Magazine for the article "Would You Risk Your Life To Race At 200mph?" by writer Peter Crutchley, as an expert on sport psychology.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of competitive road racing in the BBC iWonder online Magazine for the article "Would You Risk Your Life To Race At 200mph?" by writer Peter Crutchley, published on May 10, 2016.

TITLE: Would You Risk Your Life To Race At 200mph?

The article asks what it takes to be a road racer. What is the mentality required to race with the possibility of death around every corner? Peak performance coach Bill Cole explored the make-up of a rider's psyche.

The article also featured seven-time world champion motorcycle racer Carl Fogarty, who is the most successful World Superbike racer of all time, when totaling his championships and number of race wins. He had 59 victories and four World Superbike Championships (1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999).

References:

Carl Fogarty's website

Carl Fogarty on wikipedia

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: May 3, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


International Mental Game Coaching Association Founder and President Bill Cole, MS, MA, an expert on sport psychology, was interviewed in The Epic Magazine for the article "Off The Field: The Struggle Of Trophy Child Athletes", by writers Raksha Narasimhanas and Sophia Ling.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of sport in The Epic Magazine for the article, "Off The Field: The Struggle Of Trophy Child Athletes", by writers Raksha Narasimhanas and Sophia Ling. The article was published on May 3, 2016.

Bill was asked these questions:

QUESTION: What effects do you think parental pressure can have on athletic performance?

BILL COLE, MS, MA: Some kids respond well to it. Most do not. By definition, pressure carries a "must do" feeling. So if a parent is prodding, pushing or encouraging their child, I call that normal parental involvement, but not pressure. Parental pressure would be where the parents begin to demand that the child practice a certain way, where they over-program the child, where they expect the child to win (and talk about winning often), and criticize the child for losing, imperfections and overall lack of progress. Contrary to public opinion, top athletes do NOT play better under pressure. They feel the pressure and tend to choke also. Instead, the successful ones convert the pressure into a challenge mindset, one where they find the contest exciting, intriguing and full of suspense.

QUESTION: Could it lead to the use of steroids/other performance-enhancing drugs?

BILL COLE, MS, MA: It could, yes. There are all sorts of abuses that athletes subject themselves to in the service of winning. Many "sell their souls to the devil", as the saying goes. If the stakes are high enough, and the family is dysfunctional enough, an athlete can get into all sorts of self-sabotage.

QUESTION: Why do you think parents choose to put so much pressure on their athletic children?

BILL COLE, MS, MA: Perhaps the parents were athletes and want to continue that lifestyle with their child. Maybe the parents were successful athletes, and maybe they weren't. Regardless, once the parent begins "using the child" for their needs, families can begin to go in the wrong direction.

Instead of focusing on family, relatives, friends, religion, school and charity, the lure of stardom can lead a star child and their parent to worship the altar of fame and fortune. In an effort to help their child succeed in big ways, the pressures of sport stardom can turn a parent into an irrational, striving, ego-driven guardian-business manager for their child. As a child star makes milestones, records, history, and receives public notice, there is great pressure to continue their successful ways.

QUESTION: Do you think that parents try to live out their failed athletic pursuits through their children / project their expectations for themselves as athletes onto their children?

BILL COLE, MS, MA: Absolutely, yes. Everyone marvels at a child prodigy. We can barely believe that someone so young can perform and achieve at the rarified levels they do, seemingly with the greatest of ease. There is an intoxicating rush of excitement that parents and relatives experience with this special child. Unfortunately, a child prodigy also has numerous risk factors for becoming derailed. In spite of their giftedness, these wunderkinds are subject to the vagaries and lurking downside of the achievement game.

QUESTION: Are you familiar with instances in which parents have forced their children into a sport?

BILL COLE, MS, MA: I see this very often. I've seen families torn apart due to these stresses and out of control parental dreams. Since the child star gets most of the family's attention, time, financial and other resources and spotlight, siblings can feel left out, left behind and unimportant.

QUESTION: How does the pressure negatively impact young athletes?

BILL COLE, MS, MA: Sport is a stern taskmaster. It requires total dedication at the highest levels. This can lead to the child star becoming quite self-focused and self-absorbed. The child star is seen as only being as good as their last performance. Winning and being number one is seen as everything. Once great success has been tasted, it is often seen as the only virtue, and that it must be repeated at all costs. This destroys learning and risk-taking. Instead, the child goes for the tried and true in order to repeat their success. Upon being bestowed the title of "child star with great potential" the child prodigy embarks on a campaign of hard work and denial of the normal pleasures and pastimes of childhood.


Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

"A world-renowned peak performance coach."
British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC)

"Bill Cole is a renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."
CNET Magazine

"Bill Cole is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists who has coached teams and individuals in over 85 sports in multiple countries, including US National dirt track champion Chris Carr."
MCN Sport, the leading motorcycle racing magazine in Europe

"... an authority on sports psychology... He is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country...Bill's peak performance system helped us tremendously in our march to reach the finals of the College World Series."
Stanford University Baseball Team

"...one of the top peak performance coaches on the ATP Pro Tennis Tour."
Israeli Davis Cup Team

"Bill Cole is a leading authority on sports psychology and mental coaching."
Sports on Earth Magazine

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: April 22, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, was interviewed in Stab Magazine for the article "How to Win Contests and Alienate People: The psychology of staying hot and axing the competition." by writer Morgan Williamson, as an expert on sport psychology.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on the psychology of competitive surfing in Stab Magazine for the article "How to Win Contests and Alienate People: The psychology of staying hot and axing the competition." by writer Morgan Williamson, which was published on April 22, 2014.

Bill was asked these questions:

What are the dynamics of pressure?

What are the competitive pressures people feel?

Is there really such a thing as pressure, or is it only "In the mind of the beholder"?

Do people actually perform better under pressure?

How can competitors handle pressure?

What are the myths of athletes handling pressure?

What makes people fail under pressure?

What is the psychology of the younger competitors and veterans?

Why does a younger competitor win a big event, and then struggle to win again at that level?

How does an athlete convert the fear of failure into the positive psychology of winning?

What is the difference between competing for the love of the sport vs. competing for ego gratification, such as awards, rankings, money and status?

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: March 21, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


The International Mental Game Coaching Association Announces Gladine St. Julien Is A New Level I Certified Coach.


Gladine St. Julien has earned the Level I Certification from the International Mental Game Coaching Association training program. Gladine was awarded the title of Certified Mental Game Instructor.

Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of IMGCA stated,

It was a true pleasure having Gladine in the program. Not only did she have a distinguished athletic career, but she has the perfect coach's mind, one that is detailed, in depth and thorough. Gladine has an exceptionally strong thirst for knowledge and she really dug into the material in the private backroom in all its forms. In every class she asked insightful questions that made the sessions fly by. Gladine will take the same dedicated, leave-nothing-to-chance mindset that made her so good in basketball and apply that to mental game coaching. I know nothing can stop her from reaching her goals.

Gladine wanted to become certified by the IMGCA because she wants to be able to teach her athletes mental toughness and to make a difference in their lives. She will be doing that, along with the full rage of skills the IMGCA Certification program teaches. With the certificate in mental game coaching and her sparkling, motivating personality she will be successful in making a great impact to her athletes and coaches.

In addition to being very good at the underpinning concepts in mental game coaching, Gladine is highly skilled at knowing what her clients are thinking. This is a mark of a very talented mental game coach. This allows her to anticipate their questions and to develop training materials that hit right on the mark.

I know that Gladine will have a robust mental game coaching business, help many people in her career, and become a specialist in the mental game of basketball. I can't wait to see what materials she develops. I know they'll be special.


Gladine has been playing basketball for the past 14 years. She played High School basketball at Schuylkill Valley High School where she was a starter for four years. She scored a total of 1795 points in High School, made All State 2nd Team, made all county player of the year her Senior year and made the all county team her Junior and Senior year. She received a scholarship to play at Millersville University, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

She was named player of the week and player of the month several times throughout her career, and made the all PSAC team her senior year. She scored a total of 1011 points at Millersville University. She was also the captain of the team during her senior year. Gladine capped her outstanding Millersville career by helping lead the team to 23 wins, the third most in school history. She was a member of two of the three winningest teams in school history.

After college she played for two semi-pro teams, The Philadelphia Stallions and The Harrisburg Horizons.

Gladine coached middle school girls' basketball for three years (two years with Reading Southern middle school and one year with Wilson southern middle school) and coached one AAU team (Nesb Sports). For the past three years she has been holding basketball lessons outdoors for basketball players in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Gladine holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Occupational Safety & Environmental Health. She has received certification as a Radiation Safety Officer and has also been taking graduate courses to obtain her MBA and a Masters in Forensic Science. She is currently First Aid/CPR certified.

After college Gladine worked in New York (Manhattan) at the Radisson Hotel as a housekeeping manager for a few months. After Radisson, she began to work in her field as a Safety Technician for six months before she started working at another location as a Safety Engineer. For three years she has been coaching middle school girls basketball. She is currently a Safety Engineer and work with athletes in her county to help develop their basketball skills (independently) by doing basketball drills and workouts. As a Safety Engineer she makes sure the plant follows all regulations and standards that are set by OSHA. She conducts training for all employees and creates all safety procedures and programs for the plant.

Level I IMGCA certification requires two hours of live private telephonic 1-1 coaching with Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President. Students also have access to over 70 hours of IMGCA pre-recorded audio classes and over 450 mental training videotapes. Each student completes reading assignments, written homework, practical application of the class content and coaching practicum with groups, teams and individuals as applicable and coaching feedback evaluations. Each student passes the IMGCA Level I certification written examination, or writes a final paper or creates and submits a final project.

This sport psychology certification training is provided by the International Mental Game Coaching Association, based in Cupertino, California. The IMGCA was the first international mental game coaching membership organization, created January 1, 2006. It remains the only international mental game coaching membership organization in the world today. The mission of the International Mental Game Coaching Association is to advance the research, development, professionalism, and growth of the discipline of mental game coaching worldwide. The IMGCA is comprised of individuals and institutions interested in sports, movement, health, fitness, business, the arts, achievement, work-life balance, stress control, and peak performance. IMGCA members come from all walks of life, and have varied backgrounds in sports performance, coaching, teaching, writing, business and consulting. They are professionals, students, parents, and interested observers of the mental game.


News Release: March 8, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, was interviewed in CNET News for the article "Pushing Peak Performance", by writer Terry Collins, as an expert on performance psychology.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed on how tech is helping those get over the mental hurdle of working out and why people are so averse to working out and why we are more concerned about our fear of failure, instead of wanting to reach our mental and physical peak. This article appeared in The Spring 2016 edition of CNET News in an article named "Pushing Peak Performance", by writer Terry Collins, which was published on March 8, 2016.

Bill was asked how people can use technology to enhance exercise compliance and motivation.

CNET magazine said Bill Cole is "A renowned sports psychologist and 'mental game coach' who helps athletes cope with the demands of intense competition."

CNET is an American media website that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts and videos on technology and consumer electronics globally. CNET is the highest-read technology news source on the Web, with over 200 million readers per month and is among the 200 most visited websites globally, as of 2015.

Other experts interviewed for the piece were Wimbledon and US Open Champion and Professional Tennis Hall Of Famer Lindsay Davenport, who won 55 WTA pro tour events, Mackie Shilstone, fitness trainer for pro stars such as Serena Williams, two-time Superbowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning, and boxing greats including both Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones, Jr., and Ted Vickey, former Executive Director of the White House Athletic Center.

Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach." He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: February 23, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, was interviewed as an expert on sports psychology in Foxnews.com/health for the article "Delonte West Photos Troubling For Player With History Of Mental Illness", by writer Alexandria Hein.


Bill Cole, MS, MA, was interviewed about former NBA player Delonte West wandering around shoeless in a hospital gown outside a Houston-area Jack in the Box appearing to be a somber reminder of the downward spiral many celebrities publicly embark on when their mental illness goes untreated. This article appeared in Foxnews.com/health in an article named "Delonte West Photos Troubling For Player With History Of Mental Illness", by writer Alexandria Hein, which was published on February 23, 2016.

See the full story at foxnews.com.

Former NBA player Delonte West has previously discussed his diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. Perhaps he was off his meds again, but he was found disoriented, in Houston recently. This seems to be an all-too-familiar hallmark of mental illness that is left untreated.

West's eight-year NBA career ended in 2012 though he had many highlights, playing in over 400 games and finishing with more than 4,000 points on the board. During his career, he reportedly made $16 million as a player for the Boston, Seattle, Cleveland, and Dallas teams.

His off-the-court life happened to be more troubled and often caused complications for him during his career. One of the biggest rumors followed his diagnosis for bipolar disorder in 2008.

Bill was quoted as saying: "Mental illness can hit anyone, even former professional athletes. Bipolars are noted for "not" continuing medications. They start to feel normal and don't think they need meds and situations like this occur. Bipolar disorder usually lasts through a lifetime. Episodes of mania and depression typically come back over time, even without medication. Maybe that's what happened here" Yahoo Sports has called Bill Cole "a leading author on sports psychology".

The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called Bill "A world-renowned peak performance coach."

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach."

He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: February 20, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


The International Mental Game Coaching Association Announces Level I Certified Mental Game Practitioner Suzanne Marble Has Been Inducted Into The Washington State Volleyball Coaches Hall Of Fame And Was Also Awarded The NFHS National Federation Of High Schools Washington State Volleyball Coach Of The Year.


Suzanne Marble, Level IV Certified Mental Game Professional CoachIMGCA-Certified Mental Game Practitioner Suzanne Marble Has Been Inducted Into The Washington State Volleyball Coaches Hall Of Fame And Was Also Awarded The 2015 NFHS National Federation Of High Schools Washington State Volleyball Coach Of The Year.

Suzanne Marble has amassed a record of 422-87 at La Conner. Her teams have won three state titles and have placed in the top seven 11 times. La Conner has won 11 district crowns and 15 league championships under Marble. She has been a league coach of the year 11 times and a state coach of the year three times. She has coached all-state teams on three occasions and her Braves have been named academic state champions three times.

Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of IMGCA stated,

"It was a wonderful experience helping Suzanne achieve her Level I certification. It was obvious to me then that she was highly experienced and successful, but I had no idea of just how great she was at that time! She was so humble and unassuming. Her incredible record speaks for itself. IMGCA is proud to have such a dedicated and creative coach who is obviously dedicated to the sport she loves. Once again, congratulations to you Suzanne, for all your outstanding accomplishments!"

Suzanne Marble Coaching Accomplishments

In 24 Years Coaching at La Conner High in the state of Washington Suzanne has amassed an amazing record as volleyball coach.

Northwest A/B League Coach of the Year: 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012

State Coach of the Year: 2002 1A, 2006 2B, 2007 2B

All State Team Coach: 1997, 2007, 2012

Academic State Champions: 2004, 2005, 2008

Number of league Championships - Fifteen

Number of District Championships - Eleven

Number of State Championships - Three

Number of State Appearances -Twenty

State Champions: 2002, 2006, 2007

State Tournament Second Place: 2004, 2005, and 2008, 2010

State Tournament Third Place: 2014

State Tournament Fourth Place: 2009

State Tournament Fifth Place: 2013

State Tournament Seventh Place: 2011

Career Win/Loss Record: 422-87

Level I IMGCA certification requires two hours of live private telephonic 1-1 coaching with Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President. Students also have access to over 70 hours of IMGCA pre-recorded audio classes and over 450 mental training videotapes. Each student completes reading assignments, written homework, practical application of the class content and coaching practicum with groups, teams and individuals as applicable and coaching feedback evaluations. Each student passes the IMGCA Level I certification written examination, or writes a final paper or creates and submits a final project.

This sport psychology certification training is provided by the International Mental Game Coaching Association, based in Cupertino, California. The IMGCA was the first international mental game coaching membership organization, created January 1, 2006. It remains the only international mental game coaching membership organization in the world today. The mission of the International Mental Game Coaching Association is to advance the research, development, professionalism, and growth of the discipline of mental game coaching worldwide. The IMGCA is comprised of individuals and institutions interested in sports, movement, health, fitness, business, the arts, achievement, work-life balance, stress control, and peak performance. IMGCA members come from all walks of life, and have varied backgrounds in sports performance, coaching, teaching, writing, business and consulting. They are professionals, students, parents, and interested observers of the mental game.


News Release: January 21, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of The International Mental Game Coaching Association, is interviewed as a performance psychology expert for a podcast by host Charles Lucima.


Bill Cole, MS, MA was interviewed as a performance psychology expert on a wide variety of disciplines in a podcast by Host Charles Lucima, of Lucima.com. Bill was asked to describe his career and his experiences working as a mental game coach to business people and athletes.

Lucima on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lucima-podcast/id994929156

The one hour and six minute podcast with special guest Bill Cole:

http://lucima.com/#l-u-c-i-m-a-podcast-special-guest-bill-cole

Charles Lucima is the Principal, LUCIMA STUDIO, and a Professor in the New York Film Academy at the School of Photography at Universal Studios in Southern California.

http://lucima.com/profile/

https://www.creativelive.com/instructor/charles-lucima

Learn more about Charles and his latest projects here:

Website: http://www.lucima.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/charleslucima

Facebook: http://facebook.com/charleslucima

tumblr: http://lucima.tumblr.com

Podcast: http://lucima.podomatic.com

School of Photography at Universal Studios: https://www.nyfa.edu/los-angeles/photography-school/

This one hour and six minute podcast covered a wide range of performance topics, in and out of sport.

Here are some of the questions Charles asked Bill:

  1. What is the zone?

  2. What are the levels of the zone?

  3. What is a peak experience?

  4. How did you get into the field of sports psychology?

  5. How did the field of sports psychology begin?

  6. What sports are more likely to bring forth a zone experience?

  7. How do you teach clients to understand the zone?

  8. Tell me about "the thrill-seeking personality".

  9. Why can some people tolerate more pain and discomfort than others?

  10. Do some athletes achieve and compete as a means to cover up inferiority (compensation)?

  11. What relationship do athletes have with their opponents?

  12. What is the concept of nears, peers and fears?

  13. Why are some top athletes unhappy and dysfunctional?

  14. What does it take to become a top, elite athlete?

Bill Cole, MS, MA, is a mental game coach to athletes and coaches, politicians, professional speakers and trainers, the entertainment industry, executives and business professionals. The British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) called him "A world-renowned peak performance coach."

He has been the mental coach or sports psychology consultant with athletes or coaches of 17 world and national teams, eight international and Olympic teams, 31 professional sports teams, associations or leagues, and of athletes who have won 35 world and national championships. He has been the mental trainer for thousands of athletes in over 75 sports, at all ages and skill levels and has been a leader in the field of mental training for over 30 years. He was the first person in the world to earn an undergraduate degree in sports psychology, and is also the founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association, which trains and certifies mental coaches worldwide.

For more information, to engage Bill as a guest expert, or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

William B. Cole Consultants
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014-2358
VOICE: 408-725-7191
FAX: 408-440-2339
E-Mail: Bill@MentalGameCoach.com
Website: www.mentalgamecoach.com


News Release: January 11, 2016 - Silicon Valley, California


The International Mental Game Coaching Association Announces PhDr. Michal Kopcan Is A New Level II Certified Mental Game Coach.


PhDr. Michal Kopcan based in Trencin, Slovakia, has earned the Level II Certification from the International Mental Game Coaching Association training program. Michal was awarded the title of Certified Mental Game Coach.

Bill Cole, MS, MA, Founder and President of IMGCA stated,

"It was a true pleasure helping Michal earn his advanced certification in the Level II IMGCA certification program. He is a highly experienced teacher, coach and consultant, and now he has added the latest and most potent IMGCA mental game coaching approaches to his toolkit.

Michal has such a wealth of experience, and with these new tools, he will be able to build his business to a very high level in Slovakia.

Michal has a very analytical mind, one that is adept at taking any issue his client presents, and devising a solution to it so the client can learn and perform to their potential. He is a very fast learner and is creative at applying various mental game modalities to his coaching practice. I can see him creating new applications of these tools for coaches, teachers, athletes, referees and consultants. I know he is excited about putting what he learned in the certification program to use.

Michal's final project was outstanding. He interviewed a professional football coach and manager from one of the top teams in Europe, on the topic of the mental game.

With his sparkling personality and his sense of humor, I can see how his clients really enjoy their sessions and benefit from his coaching. Michal combines a coach's enthusiasm, a counselor's keen eye for detail and true compassion for his clients, so he can do everything possible to help them grow and succeed.

Michal will always take a systematic approach to extending his knowledge in the mental game field. His professionalism is very evident. I can see Michal becoming one of the top sport psychology providers in Slovakia and eventually even the leader in this field.


In Level II Michal added more interventions and modalities he can use with his clients, ranging from cognitive-behavioral approaches, attentional control, stress control and coaching methods and techniques.

Other areas of deeper study Michal covered in Level II included:

  1. Managing the inner critic

  2. Mistake management skills

  3. Pressure management skills

  4. Managing expectations

  5. Enlisting parents and coaches

  6. Reframing approaches

  7. Choke-proofing skills

  8. Competition management skills

  9. Post-event review skills

  10. Lead management skills

  11. Competitive mindset

  12. Championship thinking skills

  13. Pre-event mental preparation

  14. Pre-play mental preparation

  15. Slump management skills

  16. The mental game coach as change agent

  17. How to avoid common mistakes in mental game coaching

  18. Confidentiality, ethical and legal issues in mental game coaching

He placed special, in-depth attention on these topics:

  1. Coaching young children and child prodigies

  2. Correct thinking vs. Incorrect thinking

  3. Irritations that cause athletes to lose confidence

  4. Mental contingency plans

  5. Rituals and concentration techniques

  6. How you can position yourself as a mental game coach

  7. The roles of a mental game coach

  8. How to use various mental game assessments

  9. Sales and marketing issues for mental game coaches

Level II IMGCA certification requires five hours of live private telephonic 1-1 coaching with Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President. Students also have access to over 70 hours of IMGCA pre-recorded audio classes and over 450 mental training videotapes. Each student completes reading assignments, written homework, practical application of the class content and coaching practicum with groups, teams and individuals as applicable and coaching feedback evaluations. Each student passes the IMGCA Level II certification written examination, or writes a final paper or creates and submits a final project.

This sport psychology certification training is provided by the International Mental Game Coaching Association, based in Cupertino, California. The IMGCA was the first international mental game coaching membership organization, created January 1, 2006. It remains the only international mental game coaching membership organization in the world today. The mission of the International Mental Game Coaching Association is to advance the research, development, professionalism, and growth of the discipline of mental game coaching worldwide. The IMGCA is comprised of individuals and institutions interested in sports, movement, health, fitness, business, the arts, achievement, work-life balance, stress control, and peak performance. IMGCA members come from all walks of life, and have varied backgrounds in sports performance, coaching, teaching, writing, business and consulting. They are professionals, students, parents, and interested observers of the mental game.


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