Eli J. Friedman, MS, MPC
Bridging the gap between insight and high performance
About
Eli
Eli Friedman is a Mental Performance Consultant and fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Counseling & Sport Psychology at Indiana University. 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. 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.”
“What separated Eli from many others in our program was his unique ability to relate to our players. Regardless of background, he connected with them and worked with them daily in a way that brought out their best—he made them better. Eli is a winner and will make any team or organization better.”
Services
One-on-one mental performance sessions designed to strengthen the mental skills needed to perform at your best. Athletes learn how to manage thoughts, emotions, and focus in high-performance environments.
Focus areas may include:
Confidence building
Focus and concentration
Pre and post performance routines
Handling pressure and expectations
Reset cues
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
Targeted, high-impact evaluations designed for front offices, coaching staffs, and player development teams seeking deeper insight into prospect fit, readiness, and long-term performance. Services integrate psychological profiling, behavioral observation, and interview-based assessment to inform decision-making throughout the pre-draft process.
Evaluations are tailored to organizational priorities and can be delivered through prospect interviews, on-site observations, and comprehensive player reports.
Key focus areas include:
Competitiveness & Professionalism
Coachability & Role Acceptance
Self-Awareness & Growth Mindset
Emotional Regulation Under Pressure
Fit Within Team DNA
Contact ELI
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