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 of performing well while staying well

Like many athletes, I experienced the pressure, expectations, and emotional demands that often come with performance environments.

At times, my sense of self felt closely tied to achievement, particularly within academics and sport. Learning from those experiences deeply shaped the way I understand performance, growth, and well-being today.

In university, 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, track, and volleyball have shaped both the trajectory of my career and support my work in these performance environments today.

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EDUCATION & Background

Grounded in both lived experiences as an athlete and years of education, research, and applied mental performance work.

Master of Science

Sport & Performance Psychology

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Major in Sport Performance

My research and applied work have focused heavily on self-compassion and developing adaptive coping approaches within sport. In 2023, I was awarded the Master’s Thesis Award by AASP (Association for Applied Sport Psychology) in recognition of my research contributions.

Recent publications:

MENTAL

PERFORMANCE

MATTERS

Developing emotional awareness, healthy coping skills, regulating resources, and confidence early on can help athletes better navigate stress, pressure, setbacks, and growth throughout many areas of life.

Mental performance support is not just about helping athletes perform well but also about helping them develop sustainable tools for long-term health and well-being.

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MY APPROACH

Athlete-centred support that recognizes the whole person

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor my work with each athlete to develop practical mental skills and strategies that feel realistic, sustainable, and supportive.

This work may involve exploring:

  • confidence and self-talk

  • emotional regulation

  • focus and performance routines

  • navigating pressure and expectations

  • coping with setbacks or injury

  • building resilience

  • imagery and visualization

I combine evidence-based strategies with compassionate, collaborative support that is tailored to each athlete’s goals, experiences, and performance environment.

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I believe athletes do their best in environments where they feel supported, understood, and safe enough to be fully human.

TRUSTED BY

Athletics Alberta

University of Alberta Golden Bears & Pandas

Green & Gold Track & Field Club

Junior Ooks Female Hockey Program

Talent Optimization Program

HITT Volleyball Club

Edmonton Scottish United Soccer Club

Racquet Sports Professionals Association

FOG Volleyball Club

Royal Glenora Skating Club

Beaumont Blitz Fastball Association

& more

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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 incorporate mental skills into sports and youth programs, believing these tools help girls thrive.

Co-leader of AASP Self-Compassion in Sport & Performance SIG

Danae co-leads a special interest group within the Association for Applied Sport Psychology that advises and supports professionals on meaningfully integrating self-compassion into sport and performance environments. 

View 1-1 and team services
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SPORT, MUSIC & CULTURE

Beyond the work

In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, making music, and spending time with my dog Penny as well as continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

Having grown up cross-culturally and lived most of my life in Southeast Asia, I have 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 seen, known, understood, and supported to grow authentically.

Have questions or want to learn more?

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