Welcome back to the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast. Today’s episode is one we’ve been excited about for a long time, because we’re diving into a space that’s become a true game-changer at every level of athletics: mental performance.

Our guest today is Kellen Lee — a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and a PhD in Performance Psychology. Kellen has worked across elite environments, from professional athletics to military and organizational settings, and since January of 2023, he’s been serving as a mental skills coach for the Seattle Mariners at the major league level. He’s also fluent in Spanish, which adds another layer to the way he connects with athletes and teams.

In this conversation, we’re talking about what’s changed in athletics, why mental skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity, how leaders can build flexibility and trust, and what athletic directors should actually be looking for if they’re ready to bring mental performance into their programs. We’ll also dig into leadership, human connection, resistance, and even how tools like AI can support growth when used the right way.

We like to call this the “back of the baseball card” conversation — so we’ll let Kellen fill in the rest. Settle in. There’s a lot to learn today.