Day in the life of
Mental Performance Coach – Edgar Chekera
I am a mental performance coach.
I work with a range of esport competitors from different organizations. My work involves providing psychological consultancy to pro esports players. Ranging from those who play FIFA, Valorant, League of Legends, Fortnite, etc. I look at helping players not only improve their performance but addressing their unique mental needs through using sport psychology.
A typical day will involve a handful of 1-on-1 calls with esport competitors. These individual sessions are focused on the performer’s specific individual needs. Sometimes they can be used to allow them to vent, to teach them psychological principles, or practice the use of psychological techniques. On some days I will also provide group sessions, which cater to the psychological needs of the group. This can include addressing team bonding, trust, and team confidence.
Other parts of my day are filled with planning these individual or group sessions; reflecting on my practice and reading to update or renew my knowledge around the field of sport psychology and esports.
Key responsibilities
- Catering to the group’s psychological needs
- Promoting performer well-being
- Educating performers about psychological skills and techniques
- Working alongside coaches, managers, directors and other stakeholders
- Optimising and maintaining group functioning
- Applying evidence-based psychological interventions to individuals and groups
- Creating case formulations surrounding the performer and/or group’s strengths and issues
Pros
- Being a part of a pro players journey
- Being able to travel to events in different countries
- A very niche and exciting industry
- Being one of the few that addresses the psychological needs of the players
- Helping create lasting change in clients I have
- Working with big esports organizations like Fnatic and Excel
Cons
- Occasionally working late nights
- Working with those who may be reluctant to work with you
- Initial negative stigma that comes with receiving this type of support
