Coaches

“Dr. Kays has made such a tremendous difference for the coaching staff, players, and the entire Crew organization!  His dedication, creativity, motivation, and presence have been a vital reason for our success, including being the 2002 US Open Cup Champions!  We have become one of the most mentally tough teams in the MLS because of him!

Greg Andrulis
Head Soccer Coach
Columbus Crew

“Having taught several P.G.A., L.P.G.A. and top ranked juniors, it is my belief that improving one’s technique is not the only answer to reaching personal goals.  Golf is the ultimate mind game in all sports.  Dr. Todd Kays has taken the mind and muscle aspects of golf and translated them into concepts that are very informative and enlightening.  He has helped many of my students improve their mental toughness and as a result has improved their games dramatically.”

David Hunter
Director of Golf and General Manager
Montesoro Golf and Social Club
Southern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year, 2002, 2003
Central Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year, 2002, 2003
Golf Digest, Best Teacher in State, 2003-2004
Golf Magazine, America’s Most Outstanding Teachers Award, 2003

“Everyone of us who is driven to be successful searches for a competitive advantage.  Endless hours are spent studying our craft, perfecting technique and refining strategy. Yet so often we neglect the most influential component that makes our endeavor unique- the power of our mind and recognizing how we can influence our own success and positively impact the success of those surrounding us within our team.  

I have personally worked with Dr. Todd Kays and watched the growth of individuals and groups that have benefited from his philosophy, knowledge and understanding.  Dr. Kays helps to reveal confidence, develop strategies, organize information and guide individuals who aspire to be the best.  As the margin of victory becomes narrow at the top, those bearing the burden of success must have the help and guidance of professionals like Dr. Kays.”     

 Lori Walker
Head Coach, Women’s Soccer
The Ohio State University
Three-time NCAA Women’s Soccer National Champion-
The University of North Carolina

“Dr. Todd Kays has been instrumental in my understanding of the mental aspect of sport.  Working with him dramatically improved my ability to prepare and implement a mental training plan for my team.  His knowledge and insight has been an assistance on countless occasions, and his guidance in the most difficult situations has been invaluable.   My interaction with Dr. Kays has laid a framework which generations of my athletes will benefit from.  These are not athletic tools, but life tools which I am often encouraging my athletes, my staff, and myself to implement on and off the water.”

Andrew Teitelbaum
Head Coach
Women's Rowing Ohio State University
NCAA Top5 - 2001, 2002

“I have known Todd Kays for almost five years now. He is tremendously respected in his field and I have no doubt that he is the next Bob Rotella! Todd is a wonderful person who can provide a positive approach to anyone's game. Todd works with many different athletes from many different sports. He is especially talented when dealing with golfers. Todd will observe your game, ask you questions, watch you play, and use his knowledge to map out a game plan for your success. Todd has done a tremendous job with the men's golf team at Otterbein College. He has approached the team from an individual and a team standpoint. Otterbein ranks in the top ten in the NCAA almost every season. They are working together to achieve the first National Championship in Otterbein history. I strongly recommend Todd for any athlete, whether it's one session or many sessions he will improve your mental approach to any sport you want to achieve greater success!”

 Matt Smith
Men's Golf Coach
Otterbein College, 2002-2005

“Todd Kays' approach to mental training and conditioning for our basketball team was a critical ingredient to our success. His methods are solid and the results were evident from the way our players performed on the court and the way they handled the mental peaks and valleys of a basketball season. Todd's philosophy of preparing each individual differently while working within the framework of a team was a unique and productive experience for our team.”

Damon Goodwin
Men's Basketball Coach
Capital University

“I was blessed with a wonderful opportunity, as Dr. Kays worked with my field hockey team prior to the State Field Hockey Tournament Finals.   The team had initially weathered a bumpy start in the season, and now needed to address some important issues as they faced state level competition. Dr. Kays worked with the team on their pre-game approach with control issues.  He also worked on mental imagery and most importantly the girls learned how to embrace their own emotions as they walked onto the playing field.  These techniques were a great experience that definitely empowered the team and coaches.”

Anne Horton
Head Field Hockey Coach
Columbus Academy
State Champion 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005

“I just wanted to take a little time to express my appreciation to you for how much you helped me and my Track Team coaching staff last spring. While we all get along well, communicate better than usual, you and your assistant, Megan, helped us reach a deeper understanding between ourselves regarding our expectations, fears, and agendas for the season. I think it's all too easy to assume a lot between staff members. Getting some basic things out in the open, in an unthreatening session, with you two moderating/mediating, is certainly something I would highly recommend. It's easy to think you know it all after 25 years plus, but it's refreshing to realize there's still more to learn. Thanks, it was invaluable.”

Bob Kirk
Track Coach
The Columbus Academy

"What makes Dr. Kays so effective is his genuine desire to better the athlete.  
He is very intuitive and can immediately assess a situation and begin."

Roanna Brazier
Head Softball Coach
Ohio University

“Dr. Kays not only recognizes the importance of players working on their 'mental game' but also gives players a means to achieve mental excellence.  His passion and knowledge supplied the motivation we needed in creating a successful season.  Dr. Kays relates not only to the players but also to the coaches, giving the entire team an edge and increased ambition towards success.”

Trish Derwart
Former OSU Lacrosse player

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Athletic Personnel

“I am writing this testimonial on behalf of Todd Kays, our team sport psychologist.  This is my second year with the Columbus Crew as the Head Athletic Trainer.  I feel that we have the best and most comprehensive medical and coaching staff in Major League Soccer.  At this level of competition, the mental aspect of sports conditioning is one of the most important pieces to a healthy and successful team.

Todd does not reap rich monetary rewards for his professional service, but he is a large part of our success.  He attends weekly training sessions along with individual meetings with players and staff to develop mental training for peak performance and enjoyment in life outside of soccer.  This sports psychology component was a major factor in our United States Open Cup Championship in 2002.  This year Todd has had an even bigger impact with a talented team that has under-achieved due to numerous key injuries.  He has helped hold our team together with a dedicated purpose and goals, and now we are getting healthy and are making a run for the league championship. 

I am proud to have Dr. Kays on our staff and as a colleague to help with my player rehabilitation.  He has also helped me personally with the stress that accompanies my position in an injury plagued season.”

Craig A. Devine, PT, ATC
Former Head Athletic Trainer
Columbus Crew

"Dr. Kays has been a tremendous resource for our players and coaches.
His low-key approach allows him to successfully work with the diverse personalities on our team."

Jim Smith
Former General Manager and President
Columbus Crew

"Our coaches also were able to develop from the sessions …. The consultants . . . provided feedback to our coaches that included advice on tone of voice, positive words instead of negative, body language, team building drills, positive imagery drills and others. The coaches were able to take this feedback and use it to improve their relations with the players and to improve their ability to coach."

Andy Ey
Athletic Director
Westerville Central High School

“I've seen Todd use innovative ways to get his message to the Crew
players and staff. He makes them feel like they are part of the
process, not just bystanders. The MLS season is long, but Todd always
has a method to keep the team focused on the goal of winning a
championship.''

Craig Merz
Sportswriter
The Columbus Dispatch

"Dr. Kays has the presence in a classroom that engages all his students, especially in his Sport Psychology class and Performance Psychology class that he designed and created himself.  Students seek out the classes he is teaching!  He has a wonderfully open, supportive and patient manner with students.  He is true asset to Ohio University."

Leigh Trapp
Director of the Pickerington Center
Ohio University

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Parents

“Dr. Kays and the Athletic Mind Institute have begun to create one of the most state-of-the-art sport psychology programs for high schools. Dr. Kays’ programs have encompassed all aspects of high school athletics – student-athletes, coaches, parents, administration, medical team and academics.  And best of all, Dr. Kays and his staff show their dedication by coming to practices and games and wanting the kids to be successful in sports, and even more importantly, in life.”

John Hondros
Parent and Chairman
Hondros College

“Dr. Kays has taught my son the mental skills necessary to advance to higher levels of high school golf.  From pre-shot planning to mental confidence in his game and skill set, my son's score and abilities to rebound after an errant shot, have improved drastically.  Todd cares about my son-and it is shown in the follow through he makes throughout the golf season.”

Brian Foy
Parent of College Golfer

"Dr. Kays is such a good positive influence on our son's golf game, but more importantly in the game of life. Joe has an improved positive mental outlook, improved grades, improved goal setting skills, and more of a balance in his life. What a surprise to not only see improvements in Joe's golf game, but to also see improvements in other areas of his life -  grades, goal setting, and positive thinking.  Joe's sessions with Dr. Kays will benefit him for the rest of his life, not only in sports, but in all aspects of his life."

Rose D’Andrea
Parent of College Student-Athlete

“The student athletes today need many skills to manage their busy lives.  Not all lessons can be taught at home, in the classroom, or on the athletic field.  It is helpful to have a specialist, like Dr. Kays, to assist our children in learning goal setting and problem solving techniques.  In addition, he gives them an unbiased forum to express themselves as student athletes.”

Mary Williams
Parent of High School Student Athlete

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Athletes

“Dr. Kays has not only been an outlet for me to vent my frustrations, express my fears and acknowledge my accomplishments, he has been a friend. It is easy to get out there and play when your mind is at ease. Dr Kays makes it possible to free your mind of outside distractions and simply concentrate on the task at hand.  We are very lucky to have him at our training sessions with our team.”

Kyle Martino
LA Galaxy
Member of the US National Team and US Olympic Team
Rookie of the Year 2002

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kays this past year and what a difference it made. Being a professional soccer player, there is more to the game than wins and losses. This past year Dr. Kays helped me with the mental aspect of the game. Through literature and "mind exercises" Dr. Kays helped to keep me focused and prepared for everyday training as well as game days.

With Dr. Kays’ guidance, I was able to reach my goals. A lot of my success and the Crew’s can be attributed to Dr. Kays. We as a team were able to win our first-ever Championship....something I will never forget. With the tools that Dr. Kays has given me, I'll continue to work towards another.”

Jon Busch
Goalie
Chicago Fire

“Through the help of Dr. Kays, I found that I was able to focus more intently when the ball was in my area of play.  Through such focus, I ultimately became a better player and as a result, helped my team become better.  His ideas and training around focus helped me to conserve energy for those times that I needed it most - when the ball was in my field of play.  Thanks Doc!

Mike Lapper
Former MLS Player, Columbus Crew
Former USA Olympic Soccer Team

“Working with Dr. Kays has allowed me to develop a more confident attitude which lets me attack my challenges rather then let them defeat me. He has helped me in so many areas of my life.  And I went further this year in state competition than I have ever done in the past”

Joe D’Andrea
Junior
University of Ashland

"I have found the team . . . to be an invaluable resource in helping me develop mental skills that I use both on and off the golf course. There are many ingredients essential for success, but none more important than confidence.  . . . are experts in providing the framework for developing, nurturing, and maintaining confidence."

Barry Hinkley
Professional Golfer
Scioto Country Club

“Dr. Kays has allowed me to address the aspect of my game I have done up to this point – the mental.  I feel so prepared when going to play now – my confidence is so much higher and I go out believing I can win any match.  I know how to focus and relax when I need to and I know how to prepare so that I am mentally there long before I get to the course.  Thanks Dr. Kays!”

Carly Truitt
Junior, Women’s Golf Team
University of Virginia

“Dr. Kays has helped me take my game to the next level.  He has made it possible for me to play at the Division I level in college.  There is no way I could have ever gotten this far without him.  I am looking forward to getting even better and better during my senior year and him helping me to get better and better in college.”

Kyle Morris
Senior, Men’s Golf Team
Seton Hall University

"I first met Dr. Kays at a workshop for Junior Golfers at Bridgeview Golf Course.  I really liked what he said and his workshop helped me focus on what I needed to do to be the best I can be, both physically and emotionally.  I went to see Dr. Kays, privately, because of intense nervousness I felt at golf tournaments.  He listened to me, taught me ways to relax, calm myself down and concentrate better.  After seeing him, I was able to compete in tournaments without worrying so much about being nervous and I was able to practice some of the things he taught me...they really helped!  The other thing Dr. Kays would do is to call me, between sessions and before tournaments, just to check in to see how I was doing and to see if there was anything he could do for me. "

Will Morris
Junior, Boy’s Golf
Bexley High School

“I believe Dr. Kays has helped me in numerous ways.  First, he has helped me with my golf game.  He has taught me patience on the golf course. He has also helped me think more on the golf course.  This has helped me manage my game better.  He has taught me many ways to relax on the golf course when I am stressed or tense.  Dr. Kays has also helped me off the golf course.  The techniques he teaches for the golf course can also apply to my daily life.  Whether it is in school or just relaxing.”

Chase Williams
Senior, Boy’s Golf Team
St. Charles High School

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Corporate Training and Coaching

“We have found that the programs put on by Dr. Kays and his associates are easily tailored to the needs of each client.  His flexibility and input make each program unique & successful.  Over the past few years, we have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial business relationship.” 

Rebecca Miller
Marketing Director
SportsOhio

“Working with Dr. Kays has made our team building programs the perfect compliment to our other various corporate activities.  His expertise has made our facility outstanding and unique.  From small to large groups, our clients have always been very satisfied.”

Brian Nevergall
Corporate Events Manager
SportsOhio

“The Athletic Mind Institute has been an extremely valuable management resource.  Our staff has a better understanding of themselves and of each other, which fosters a supportive, team environment.  Dr. Kays and his team bring enthusiasm and energy to a thought-provoking message.  In particular, the activities and interactive elements lend significance to the concepts and theory.” 

Mark E. McCullers
General Manager
Columbus Crew

“AMI helped us tremendously increase and enhance communication between doctors, staff and patients, allowed for creative and unique settings to better learn about staff members and their respective strengths, and allowed staff to step "out of the box" and challenge themselves personally and professionally.  It has been a wonderful working relationship for over three years!”

Laura Beemiller
Director of Social Services
Mid-Ohio Oncology and Hematology

“We found the training that Dr. Todd Kays put together for our company was a hit!  The DISC test along with the many activities taught our employees and managers how to work together as a team and that it can be fun at the same time. We have been able to take back the information learned and apply it to our everyday lives!”

Courtney Frederick
Director of Human Resources
OHIC Insurance Company

“What I really liked was that both Todd and Nancy took the time to get to know us and our business. As a result, they were able to gear their presentation around our issues. They spent the time to understand our organization across the board; not just sales but all the other client and support service employees were able to relate and use the specific topics and exercises in both their life and business pursuits.”

Educational Services Department
MindLeaders

“Discovered new ways to view my work and how to approach it.  Visualization and preparation are so important, yet easy to lose sight of.”  “Would love to have another session with these two. Great blend between sports analogies and introspective into your own work environment/personal needs; great blend between physical activity and mental exercises; good give and take between Todd and Nancy.”  “They obviously did some research on our company and our specific needs.” “Should start EVERY session with something like this, and use more outside presenters" "I wish we would have taped it. If you did can I see a copy" "Could have been longer"

Managers and Sales People
MindLeaders
National Sales Conference

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