Improve your mental health and maximize your mental performance

Most athletes are assessed based on their physical ability and athletic skills. This means their mental health and emotional well-being are overlooked. Data shows that athletes are just as likely to be impacted by mental health as non-athletes. Athletes often face pressure from expectations to perform, issues with teammates, coaches, or family, academic demands, and physical injury. These can lead to embarrassment, guilt, stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Most athletes do not discuss their mental health or seek help because of the stigma and not wanting to be seen as weak. Our goal is to help athletes and coaches be aware of their mental health, to treat and support athletes suffering from mental health issues, and work with athletes to maximize their mental performance.

 
 

WHAT WE DO

 
 

We work with athletes

We work with individual athletes, groups, and athletic teams to be aware of their mental health needs, to know that help is available, and help them maximize their mental performance through developing their cognivitve abilities.

We train coaches

Coaches know how to coach but few have been trained to deal with mental health issues. We provide training for coaches on what is mental health, how to create a culture of care, and how to give their athlete’s the support and connect them with the treatment they need.

We bring awareness

Through our Virtual Mental Health Summit and our Motivate the Game Combines, we seek to bring awareness to the importance of athletes and their mental health.

MEET THE TEAM

 

DANIEL BROOKS, LCSW
Founder

Daniel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified ADHD Specialist, Certified Cognitive Development Coach and the founder of Motivate the Game. As someone who had a challenging childhood and a former D-1 quarterback, Daniel has a passion for helping athletes prioritize their mental health and maximizing their mental performance because of the challenges he had to overcome to play the sport he loved. With over 13 years of experience within the mental health field, Daniel has the life experiences and developed the skills necessary to help athletes succeed on the field and in life.

COACH TAKEKO, BSW, ASST. Director
CERTIFIED MENTAL HEALTH AND LONGEVITY COACH

Takeko Gwynn, also known as Coach K. With a BSW from Mary Baldwin, Finishing up Masters degree at VCU, Keko is a vital part of the MTG Family.

Keko says: “From a young age, my calling has been clear - to assist and uplift others. Throughout life's varied journeys, my passion for aiding those in need remains unwavering.

I see my purpose as sharing the knowledge gained from my studies and personal experiences to guide those facing similar challenges.

My unique ability to perceive beyond emotional barriers, coupled with my unwavering dedication, defines my work as an advocate for families in my community. As I live by the mantra, “A leader is who you are when no one is watching,” I strive to make a positive impact behind the scenes and beyond.

I am committed to sharing my narrative and offering support to inspire others to Heal, Learn, and Grow.”

COACH JAMES, Head Coach “Field Generals”
Certified Mental Health Coach and Therapeutic Trainer

Coach James Fields is a QB and WR guru being featured as one of the top Quarterback Trainers in the country with invites to national camps with QB Magazine and First Down Training. Coach Fields has enhanced his skills to become a multi-sport therapeutic trainer here at MTG.

James Fields has been in the Roanoke area for the past 16 years and attended Eastern Montgomery High School in Elliston, Virginia. During his time at Eastern Montgomery, Fields led the Timesland in passing yards and completion percentage in 2012 playing the quarterback position. Fields accepted a walk-on opportunity at Glenville State in West Virginia and played one year until he left because of injury. 

Coach Fields is a certified mental health coach, certified in boys to men training and Coaching Athletes as a Leader Certified trainer. Fields’ professional schooling is in social work at Liberty University


COACH PAUL, MSW
Therapeutic Trainer

Coach Paul Smith is a native of Roanoke, Virginia, and attended North Cross School. During his time at North Cross, Smith was a 2x state champion (2008,2011) and was voted 1st team all-state in 2011 and 2nd team all-state in 2010.

Smith earned a full-ride scholarship to play college football at Concord University. Smith was initially recruited as a defensive lineman, however, during the 2014 winter, Smith transitioned to the offensive line. Smith was a three-year starter at the left tackle position starting a total of 34 games at the collegiate level. In 2014, Smith was the starting left tackle for the 13-1 Mountain Lions that won the Mountain East Conference and went on to win the Division 2 Region One Championship.

After completing his playing career, Smith graduated with his Bachelor’s of Social Work degree and later obtained his Master’s of Social Work Degree. Smith has since worked as a social worker with Child Protective Services in the state of West Virginia. Smith is now in his current role as a School Social Worker for Roanoke County Public Schools. Smith has dedicated his life to working with children and families due to his love of helping others.

COACH CALEB, Head Coach B.O.X. Life Training
Therapeutic Trainer, Big Man Specialist and Strength Coach

Coach Caleb Kingery is a native of Botetourt County. He was a powerhouse player for Botetourt County High School and went on to play collegiate football at Bridgewater College.

In college, Caleb’s suffered a career-ending injury that jump-started his love for coaching and helping athletes improve their mental health. After his injury, Coach Caleb began coaching at Turner Ashby High School and is now going into his 4th year at Read Mountain Middle School. Coach Caleb has extensive experience as a teacher and behavior specialist which has enhanced his skills as a Therapeutic Sports trainer and strength coach.

““Motivate the Game has helped me become a better leader and player. I came to their program last summer and have seen so much progress in my mental performance as well as my form, my deepball, and my footwork.” ”
— Angel

 

 Are you ready?

Contact Motivate the Game today!