Athletic EQ

Help your students navigate sports and life with emotional intelligence!

What is the program?

The Athletic Emotional Intelligence Training is a 3–5 hour, in-person workshop series tailored for student athletes. Each workshop explores character development, communication skills, emotional resilience, growth mindset, stress reduction, and goal setting—all crucial for thriving both on and off the field.

A Foundation in the Mental Game

Students that value the importance of mindset

We help students identify the value of developing an effective mindset in sports and life.

A team that can navigate stressful situations with emotional intelligence

In our workshops, students learn concrete skills to manage when things fall apart..

Developing character in sports and life

Students are given the science and experiential practice of developing a growth mindset, emotional resilience, and personalized character development goals.

Pursuit of personal well-being

The anatomy of wellbeing and f an effective team go hand in hand. Student are taught the fundamentals of personal well-being and group dynamics to leverage their environment to thrive in a group setting.

What do students experience during the workshops?

Students engage in:

Interactive group discussions that bring real athletic scenarios to life, encouraging them to reflect on their personal experiences.
Hands-on activities and role-plays designed to strengthen communication and leadership skills, preparing them to work effectively with teammates.
Self-awareness exercises that help uncover personal strengths, highlight areas for growth, and develop a strong sense of character.
Stress-management techniques to maintain composure under pressure, navigate high-stakes situations, and cultivate a growth mindset.
Goal-setting sessions where they learn to break down performance objectives into manageable steps, fostering motivation and accountability.

By the end of the series, students walk away with practical strategies to handle the emotional demands of sports, build meaningful relationships with peers, and develop the mindset needed to excel both on the playing field and in everyday life.

Workshop Leaders

William Jackson Psy.D.

William Jackson is a psychologist, former Buddhist monk, and founder of SkillfulMeans, dedicated to empowering individuals through mental health and emotional intelligence. Currently a counselor at Deerfield Academy, he co-developed the "Athletic EQ" program to enhance student-athletes’ resilience and growth.

With experience across Wayland Middle School, Emerson College, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Harvard Medical School, William has supported students from adolescence to professional education, mentoring them to thrive in high-pressure environments. His unique blend of mindfulness, empathy, and innovation makes him a trusted leader in fostering academic, emotional, and social success.

Trevon Bryant M.S.

Trevon is a seasoned mindset coach and professional speaker dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. He holds a master’s degree in Adolescent Development from the University of New Hampshire and has built his career at the intersection of personal growth, leadership, and resilience.

Currently, Trevon serves as Assistant Dean of Residential Life and Mindset Coach at Deerfield Academy, where he equips students and athletes with tools to excel on and off the field. Trevon co-developed the "Athletic EQ" program to enhance student-athletes’ resilience and growth. He mentors in character development, goal-setting, and emotional intelligence. Trevon has co-authored two impactful books, inspiring audiences.

"There was an obvious team culture fix with these workshops. Last year we did not have these and our team culture was not sound. With these workshops, we were able to find everyone’s interest and learning styles that ultimately led to better communication."

- Student Workshop Participant.

Athletic EQ Workshop Themes

Module 1. Building Character Workshop

Dive into self-discovery with our Building Character Workshop. Participants complete the Via Character Strengths survey, then engage in experiential discussions and use the Athletic EQ Workbook to pinpoint key character traits. This workshop encourages personal growth, helping students identify and develop traits that enhance both their athletic performance and everyday life.

Module 2. Growth Mindset, Mental Fitness and the Strength of Relationships

Explore the power of a growth mindset in our dynamic workshop. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, students learn about brain plasticity and how embracing challenges shapes character. This session emphasizes mental fitness and the importance of nurturing strong, supportive relationships, equipping athletes with tools to excel on and off the field.

Module 3. Anatomy of an Effective Team

Unite personal ambition with team success in the Anatomy of an Effective Team workshop. Through guided discussions and the Athletic EQ Workbook, students align their personal goals with team and coaching objectives. This module provides a clear framework for daily actions that foster personal development while strengthening overall team cohesion and performance.

Module 4. Emotional Resilience

Build the foundation for lasting success with our Emotional Resilience workshop. Featuring a combination of insightful presentations and the Athletic EQ Workbook, this module teaches students how to identify, understand, and effectively communicate their needs. Enhance interpersonal skills, reduce conflicts, and build a resilient mindset that supports both individual growth and team harmony.

Module 5. Your Athletic Blue Print

Transform intentions into actionable plans in Your Athletic Blue Print workshop. In this collaborative teachback session, participants create a personalized daily action plan and share their blueprints with peers and coaches. Receive constructive feedback to refine your strategy, ensuring that your plan supports continuous improvement in both athletic performance and personal development.

"I walked away with more knowledge about myself as a leader and what character traits I struggle with, I learned how to be more direct about those struggles and how to work on them "

- Workshop Participant.