ABOUT
Danae Frentz
Mental Performance Trainer | MSc, BKin
Supporting youth, university, and semi-professional athletes, performers, and teams through evidence-based mental performance training in Edmonton.
Helping athletes find the balance between performing well and feeling good
Like many athletes, I experienced the pressure, expectations, and emotional demands that often come with performance environments.
At times, my self-worth felt closely tied to achievement, particularly within academics and sport. Those experiences deeply shaped the way I understand performance, growth, and well-being today.
I became increasingly passionate about the mental side of performance and the importance of supporting athletes more holistically, not only in how they perform, but in how they navigate pressure, setbacks, confidence, identity, and life beyond sport.
My experiences growing up in competitive soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track deeply shaped both the trajectory of my career and my understanding of performance environments today.
MENTAL
PERFORMANCE
MATTERS
THE RIPPLE EFFECT FAR BEYOND SPORT
As performance environments continue to become increasingly competitive at younger ages, athletes often navigate significant pressure both within and beyond sport.
Developing healthy coping skills, emotional awareness, confidence, and resilience early on can help athletes better navigate stress, pressure, setbacks, and growth throughout many areas of life.
Mental performance support is not only about helping athletes perform well, but also about helping them develop sustainable tools that support long-term well-being.
MY APPROACH
Athlete-centred support that recognizes the whole person
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I work with youth, university and semi-professional athletes to develop practical mental skills and strategies that feel realistic, sustainable, and supportive both within and beyond sport.
This work may include:
confidence and self-talk
emotional regulation
focus and routines
navigating pressure and expectations
coping with setbacks or injury
resilience and self-awareness
sustainable approaches to performance
I blend evidence-based mental performance strategies with compassionate, collaborative support tailored to each athlete’s goals, experiences, and performance environment.
I believe athletes do their best in environments where they feel supported, understood, and safe enough to be fully human.
EDUCATION & Background
Grounded in both lived athlete experience and years of education, research, and applied mental performance training.
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Focus in Sport & Performance Psychology
Bachelor of Kinesiology
Major in Sport Performance
My research and applied work have focused heavily on self-compassion in sport and youth athlete development. I was awarded the 2023 Master’s Thesis Award by AASP (Association for Applied Sport Psychology) in recognition of my research contributions.
Recent publications:
ADVISORY GROUPS
Strong Girls United
Danae is part of the Mental Health Advisory Group for Strong Girls United, which helps empower girls by building confidence, resilience, and self-compassion. Together, they work to include mental skills in sport and youth programs, believing these tools help girls thrive.
TRUSTED BY
Team Alberta’s Canada National Youth Track & Field Championships and various Tri-Prov Competitions
University of Alberta Green & Gold Track & Field Club
University of Alberta Bears & Pandas
NAIT Junior Ooks Female Hockey
Athletics Alberta
Beaumont Blitz Fastball
HITT Volleyball Club
Racquet Sports Professionals Association
FOG Volleyball Club
Talent Optimization Program (TOP)
Edmonton Scottish United Soccer Club
RG Skating
& more
sport, music & culture
Beyond the work
I enjoy playing soccer, making music, spending time with my dog Penny, and continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
Having grown up cross-culturally and lived much of my life in Southeast Asia, I developed a broad worldview and a deep appreciation for people of different cultural backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
I understand transition, belonging, adaptation, and human connection as a result of moving frequently throughout my childhood.
These experiences continue to influence the way I build relationships with athletes and create environments where people feel safe, supported, understood, and able to grow authentically.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Mental Performance Alone
Whether you’re navigating pressure, confidence struggles, performance anxiety, or simply wanting to continue growing as an athlete, you do not have to do it alone.