Eli J. Friedman, MS, MPC
About
Eli
Eli Friedman is a Mental Performance Consultant and fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Psychology at Indiana University, where he also completed a minor in Sport and Performance Psychology. His work sits at the intersection of mental health, performance psychology, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Eli has worked with athletes and teams across collegiate and professional sport. His applied experience includes roles with Indiana University Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Hofstra University Athletics, the University of Arizona, and the New York Knicks.
As a researcher, Eli studies the mental well-being and motivational experiences of collegiate athletes and coaches. His work has particularly focused on the psychological implications of recent changes in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation, exploring how the evolving structure of college athletics impacts motivation, identity, relationships, and well-being within athletic programs. His research aims to inform best practices for supporting athletes and coaches in a rapidly changing sport environment.
Through both his applied and research work, Eli is committed to helping athletes, coaches, and organizations optimize performance while prioritizing sustainable mental health and development.
“Working with Eli was a game-changer for our team. His ability to connect with each athlete, build trust, and address both individual and team dynamics made a huge impact on our performance and mindset. We saw noticeable improvements in focus, confidence, and communication. I am incredibly grateful for his impact on our program. ”
“Eli’s ability to connect and support student-athletes is as good as I’ve seen. He is a relentless worker with incredible people skills.”
Services
One-on-one sessions designed to strengthen the mental skills needed to perform at your best under pressure. Athletes learn how to manage thoughts, emotions, and focus in high-stakes environments.
Focus areas may include:
Confidence building
Focus and concentration
Performance routines
Handling pressure and expectations
Resetting after mistakes
Collaborate with coaching staff and athletes to intentionally build a strong team culture rooted in shared values, accountability, and connection.
Focus areas include:
Defining team standards and values
Leadership development within the team
Building trust and cohesion
Creating a competitive but supportive environment
Interactive presentations designed for athletic departments, teams, coaches, and organizations looking to strengthen performance, culture, and mental well-being. Talks are tailored to the needs of the audience and can range from keynote presentations to workshops and team sessions.
Key topics include:
Gen-Z
Confidence-Building
Gratitude
Contact ELI
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