Hi, I'm Mark Ehlen and... 

...mindset matters.

It’s mattered to me ever since I was a point guard for my high school team (a long time ago!) I had some talent, but when it came to game day, I would rarely play my best. And I couldn't figure it out.

These days, they might call it "performance anxiety." I had a tough time staying focused during the game. If I made a mistake, I couldn't shake it off. I was overly concerned about the people in the stands. I wanted to play so well, but the harder I tried...the worse I got.

When I played in summer pickup games, though, I was a different player. I was relaxed, confident, focused, and played like I was capable. 

I'll never forget the words of one of my friends after a game one summer day: "Why don't you play like that during the season?" he asked. I just shrugged. I had no answer.

But now I do.

In my 40+ years as a high school and Division I women's basketball coach, I devoured everything I could find related to sports psych. In addition, I was fortunate to spend several summers immersing myself into the only b-ball camp that taught the mind game: Stan Kellner's "Yes, I Can" camps.

I turned out to be a better coach than player. In my first head coaching gig, mindset helped my Forest Park Lady Chargers win a thrilling state championship in overtime.

When I made the jump to coaching women's college hoops, mindset helped my Xavier University team win the MCC tourney championship--despite losing two starters to injuries the week before--and advance to its first-ever NCAA dance.

A few years later, my Toledo Rockets team found themselves down 38-15 at halftime in the MAC championship game. We took a few deep breaths at halftime, then staged a huge 2nd half comeback to win 74-65, in OT.

 But Brain Train isn't about me; it's about what YOU can do, with me as your coach. I'm starting a new team, and I want you to be on it.

But only if mindset matters to you, too.