Meet the Founder behind Mindset Playbook
Andie Anastos
Built as an Athlete. Trained as a Coach. Grounded in Mental Performance.
My Story
My journey to creating Mindset Playbook has been shaped by three important perspectives: being an athlete, being a coach, and developing a deeper understanding of the mental and emotional skills that influence how we perform.
As a two-time Division I student-athlete at Boston College, competing in both women's ice hockey and women's basketball, I experienced firsthand the demands that come with competing at a high level. I learned that success isn't only about physical preparation or technical ability. It also comes from learning how to handle pressure, respond to mistakes, build confidence, stay focused, and continue moving forward when things don't go according to plan.
My experience as an athlete eventually led me into coaching. In my four years of working as an assistant ice hockey coach at Boston College, I had the opportunity to work with athletes and see firsthand the many challenges that come with athletic development. Coaching has reinforced my belief that the mental side of sport should be developed intentionally, not only when an athlete is struggling, but as a regular part of their training.
Bringing my Experiences Together
While my clinical background informs my understanding of people and the mental skills that support growth, Mindset Playbook is not therapy and is not intended to provide mental health treatment. The focus of Mindset Playbook is mental performance education and skills development.
I created Mindset Playbook to bring together what I have learned as an athlete, coach, and counseling professional and translate those concepts into practical, developmentally appropriate mental performance skills for young athletes.
Just as athletes intentionally practice their technical skills, I believe they can intentionally practice skills such as Confidence, Emotional regulation, Focus, Pressure management, Resilience, and Growth Mindset. These aren't skills athletes are simply expected to "have." They are skills that can be learned, practiced, and developed.
Alongside my experiences in athletics and coaching, I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I currently work as a pre-licensed therapist, which has provided me with additional education and experience in understanding thoughts, emotions, behaviors, self-talk, relationships, coping strategies, and the ways individuals respond to challenges.
The Vision
To empower athletes and coaches to train their minds with the same dedication they train their bodies by providing practical, evidence-informed mental performance coaching and education. At Mindset Playbook, we believe mental skills are skills, and skills can be practiced. Our mission is to help athletes intentionally develop the mindset, confidence, resilience, and tools they need to navigate challenges, manage pressure, and perform with purpose.
Core Values
The principles that guide Mindset Playbook in empowering athletes to train their minds with the same dedication as their bodies.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Programs are grounded in established mental performance principles while remaining practical, engaging, and applicable.
Performance Through Preparation
Confidence and consistent performance are built through preparation, habits, and purposeful training.
Leadership Beyond Sport
Mental skills develop through athletics strengthen communication, resilience, accountability, and leadership in all areas of life.
Growth Through Learning
Mental skills are developed through intentional practice, reflection, and continuous learning.
Consistency Over Perfection
Long-term success comes from steady growth rather than flawless performance.