Mental Training Room
Mental Training Room is a podcast hosted by former Division I athletes, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim. Haley is a current Mental Health Therapist who works with athletes on their mental game and Naomi is a real estate investor with a passion for spreading awareness around mental health in sports. Designed as a community and safe space for athletes, our goal is to foster honest conversations about the mental health challenges that athletes face within their sport while also advocating for more mental skills coaching imbedded into overall training programs, in hopes to close the gap from mental unprepared to MENTALLY ELITE!
Through insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests—including mental health professionals, current and former athletes, coaches, and much more—we aim to provide comfort, relatability, and practical takeaways for our listeners. In our episodes, we talk mindset, performance pressure, recovery, identity, and other authentic stories. While this podcast is not a substitute for professional help, we hope each episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey.
If you are in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Mental Training Room
The Mental Battle of a D1 Walk-On: Haley’s College Athlete Story
In this powerful episode, Haley shares her unfiltered experience as a Division 1 (D1) walk-on athlete and the mental health challenges that came with it. Without a scholarship, she constantly felt the pressure to prove herself, pushing through emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and performance anxiety without the tools to cope.
Haley opens up about the hidden side of college athletics—the burnout, identity struggles, and lack of support many walk-ons face. She reflects on how the “work harder” mentality became toxic, and how her experience inspired her career.
This is a must-listen for college athletes, sports parents, and anyone navigating the intense mental demands of competitive sports.
Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod
For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com