I was anxiously waiting for my dad to tell me who he got for me as an interview. After 3 days my dad finally got me an athlete for an interview. Once he told me who it was I was really happy. It was Shep Messing the starting U.S. soccer goalie in the 1970s and 1980s. My dad was able to setup the interview with him because my Shep is one of my grandpa’s friend and Shep’s grandson is my camp friend. We decided to do the interview on facetime. I was really excited to talk to a professional soccer player.
Here are my interview questions for Shep:
Shep Messing
- What mental preparation strategies did you use a goalie before and during games?
- What were your favorite mental preparation strategies? Why?
- How did mental preparation strategies affect your performance as an athlete and competitor when you were a goalie?
- How did mental preparation strategies help you in your life off the field when you were a goalie?
- Are there any mental preparation strategies that you use in your life today?
- Did you have a coach or other type of professional help you with these strategies?
- I’m researching these particular mental preparation strategies. Please tell me if you have used it and how:
- Visualization? ((Why is visualization such a powerful tool for success in competition?)
- Music? (How and why do athletes use music)
- Self Talk? (How and why do athletes use self talk used to mentally prepare?)
- Breathing? (How and why do athletes use breathing techniques to prepare?
- What else do you think is important for you to share with me about mental preparation?
From this interview I learned that some athletes used mental preparation strategies like visualization and self-talk 30 and 40 years ago. Also I learned that doubting yourself can make you think worse about yourself and make you play worse. Interviewing a professional athlete has given me a unique perspective. This interview was especially insightful since being a goalie is one of the most mentally challenging jobs in sports as it requires tremendous focus and confidence.