Testimonials

“Kevin is a go-getter. He was a part of a small group of mental performance mastery coaches that I trained. He will teach similar strategies that I teach MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, MMA, and PGA athletes. He will empower student-athletes to improve their confidence, resiliency, optimism, and awareness so that they can compete one play at a time.” Brian Cain, Mental Performance Coach, #1 International best-selling author, speaker, coach and consultant

“Our Women’s Soccer team worked with Target Mentality for the Fall 2022 season. It ended up being our program’s most successful season to date. I know for a fact that the activities drills, and conversations aided in our ability to form a cohesive culture which ultimately was a factor in our success.”–Head Coach Jackie Phillips, Lourdes University Women’s Soccer

I just wanted to send you a quick note, and say thanks for all your work with Annika. The difference in her attitude towards sports is amazing. Last night, she was up to bat with two outs, in the last inning, and the team is down by one with two runners on. She hit a two RBI double on the first pitch. I know that a couple years ago, she would have crumbled under the pressure and struck out to get out of the situation. We have you to thank for that change in mindset. I have no doubt that your training will stick with her for a long time. -Dennis Gellasch

I want to give a HUGE shout-out to Kevin Grammens with Target Mentality! He worked with my volleyball team and gave the girls tools and strategies to overcome challenges during competition…and life! They have gained confidence in themselves and their teammates, improved their leadership skills and have learned to focus on things they can control and to let the rest go. I already saw a BIG difference in the girls during our first two tournaments. Thank you, Kevin, for everything you taught us! If your son or daughter struggles with confidence, I highly recommend you get in touch with Kevin!–Julie Maryon, Xtreme Volleyball

Prior to working with Kevin, our son’s soccer confidence was at an all-time low. He had a hard time feeling confident just prior to a game. He worried about making mistakes, letting his teammates down and getting disciplined by his coach. After working with Kevin and applying his strategies and techniques, it was within just a few sessions we started to see improvement in his confidence, and his performance really improved over time. Kevin does an amazing job with young athletes, and we can’t thank him enough for turning around our son’s confidence! –Jamie Russo

Coach Grammens, Thank you for everything. I appreciate everything you taught this week. You will never know how much this week has changed my life and how I view life. You make me want to pay attention in class and be engaged in the conversation. You are changing teens’ output and view on life, and you are changing my generation for the better. So thank you again.–Anchor Bay Student-Athlete (after a week-long workshop)

I was able to utilize Target Mentality with a key client of mine. He helped this person overcome a mental block while interviewing for new positions. After the session and with the support of Kevin Grammens, this client landed a fantastic position. We are believers in the process. –President and CEO of Media Talent Placement Firm 

After taking and scoring in the 90th percentile of this year’s (2020) MCAT test takers, “If you still do mental strength training with your teams like you did when I was playing for Anchor Bay, I can attest that those lessons you will hold forever because I panicked a bit during the first section of the test and nearly ran out of time…but during the break before the next session I sat down and closed my eyes and meditated and pictured my goal and used other methods to help me get back on track and do well on the rest of the test.”  Emma Streveler, Former Anchor Bay Soccer Student-Athlete

“Target Mentality offers some incredible tools and strategies to help athletes train their mind along with their bodies to be mentally strong in competition. My son used this program during his senior cross country season, and it helped him tremendously. With Kevin’s coaching, my son was able to overcome anxiety related to helping his Division 1 state champion team make it to another state final. My son will use these strategies next year in college and beyond. I highly recommend Target Mentality.” –Beth Wiegand-Vietzke

“Since completing my student teaching experience with Kevin in 2022, I have not only learned so much about becoming the best teacher, but also the best version of myself. When it was time to take the MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification), I was so nervous and felt that I was not prepared enough. That feeling only became more evident each time I failed the test. However, Kevin did not give up on me and instead he helped me use my nerves to fuel my confidence. Through his leadership and nonstop commitment to help me succeed, I was able to believe in myself the way those around me believed in me. I owe him a huge thank you as I am now entering my second year of teaching. Thank you for everything you continue to do.”–Rachel Russo (June ’23)

“Coach Grammens has absolutely made a tremendous impact on my daughter Annika. She has gained confidence and learned how to handle difficult situations by focusing on the things that she can control and not worrying as much with the things out of her control. Since she has been working with Kevin, she truly is a different person on the softball field and basketball and volleyball courts. I have loved watching her grow and am looking forward to seeing what else she will learn from him.” —Jennifer Gellasch 

“Kevin’s background in education and sports coaching is relevant to the professional world as he is able to teach discipline, execution, and more. He provides a well rounded approach from professional performance to personal growth. Kevin teaches mental strategies that can be deployed minute by minute, hourly, and daily. The strategies I have learned have helped my growth during the most stressful time of launching a multi-million dollar business a few month before COVID hit. Through Kevin’s coaching I am able to remove myself from many situations and approach them from an evaluative perspective and realize what my true talents are far beyond reacting to the situation but RESPONDING to the situation. I have been able to develop some of my own strategies through this technique that have pleasantly demonstrated what my capabilities are. I look forward to the weekly sessions with Kevin as well as the texts and emails. He is a true scholar of his craft and has many credible resources that can be deployed in a moment’s notice. Kevin is extremely positive and regularly revels his genuine excitement at the end of each call. HIs coaching is GENUINE and EXCITING.” -Business Owner in Lousiana 

“Target Mentality provides lessons that not only help the athlete now but can be extremely important as the games end and real life challenges begin. Training the mind gives you long term, valuable benefits in life and business and can set you apart from the rest.”  Max Perilstein, President, Sole Source Consultants

“After just 45 minutes working with my son’s baseball team on tips for their mental game, the boys had multiple tools they could apply right away. It was amazing to watch the boys at their net game using their breathing routine at the plate, keeping focused and staying positive by “staying in their circle” while in the field, and releasing those bricks (errors) and moving on for the sake of the team. I had a parent come up to me, who was not at the practice that Kevin coached, to tell me that my son had a new confidence about him. He went two for three (struck out at his last at bat) and we were worried because he had to go in and pitch next. He “released” his disappointment quickly and positively, and went on to pitch a great inning without his strikeout weighing him down like it would have in the past. I am beyond appreciative of what we’ve learned from Coach Grammens. We can’t wait to work with him again soon!” Meaghan Perazza, Lake Orion Crush youth baseball

“Coach Grammens looks at sports through a different lens and by focusing on the mental aspect of the game he allows players/teams to combine the physical and mental aspects of the game to reach their performance potential. Overall, his training is a difference maker for the teams that buy in!” Jennifer Thiede, Anchor Bay Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

“Without Coach Grammens as a person, mentor, coach, and friend, my son would not be where he is today. You have taught him so much more than the game of soccer and it shows in the ways he has communicated with his college coaches at Lakeland. They were surprised with his outlook on things and it’s all because of the mental strategies you have taught him…It means a great deal to all of us to have had a person like you in his life to teach him vital things needed for life, school, and sports.” Jason Perry, Anchor Bay Soccer Parent

“Thank you for everything you’ve done these four years and have the influence you have had on me whether it’s mentally and teaching me how to go about injuries and looking at them differently.” Brendan Perry, Anchor Bay High School Soccer and Lakeland University Wisconsin commit.

“Coach Grammens, I want to thank you for giving my daughter the mental strategies needed to have success on the field. Just working with her a short time, we saw improvement in her confidence. Listening to the mental imagery has helped her play stronger and calmer. We look forward to working with you more.”  Anchor Bay Soccer Parent, U.S. Soccer National League Parent

“It’s hard to put into words my gratitude for Kevin and the work he has done with my daughter. He began working with her to fine-tune her elite mindset as she entered into a busy college recruiting season. However, COVID had other plans and she had the opportunity to apply that mentality off the field. The work Kevin did with her was infinitely valuable as the daily challenges of managing family, friends, a tough academic schedule, and sports during a global pandemic were very real. Now back on the field, I see great improvements in her confidence, mental toughness, and how she takes control of the situations and responds to them. You can see the results of their work in real-time on the field. Kevin has gone above and beyond checking in with her and following her soccer career-always cheering her on! I know the skills she learned and developed with Kevin will be helpful to her throughout her lifetime. I highly recommend Target Mentality!” Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Soccer Parent

“I wish they had this type of training when I was playing.” Joe Gallagher, Anchor Bay High School Soccer class of ’98, school record holder, former D1 athlete, Owner Michigan Burn Soccer Club and Owner of The Sports Academy.  

“I appreciate the strategies and concepts you teach. It’s so empowering to offer solutions to the young people we work with! I find myself using these tools in my professional and personal life…thank you!” Brian Gannon, Lake Orion Varsity Defensive Line Coach, Sales Business Development Manager at Precision Mold and Machining Services Inc. 

“Kevin is a guy you want around your teams. I have been fortunate to watch him conduct research and formulate the best practices for ideal athlete mind set. Kevin has the ability to make an instant impact on the athletes and coaches that he works with. He takes an authentic approach and is able to connect with those he works with by forming trust and building relationships. I would recommend Kevin to not only work with athletic teams, but also an organization that is looking to make huge strides and make an immediate positive change to the overall culture.” Jordan Ackerman, CAA, Ed.S, former Oxford Director of Athletics and current Armada High School Principal 

“My whole mood about myself and the game is 10 times better than what it used to be. Finally realizing to not have expectations has made me a better player…Now to just try and do what I can instead of making myself do something impossible has made me a better player all around…Every time I’ve struck out or made a bad play, I let it go instantly. Usually I would hold a grudge the whole game and think about it the rest of the day but now it doesn’t even bother me. You have helped me so much with the mental side of my game it’s changed the way I play and made me better. I can’t thank you enough.”  Amanda Schick, Anchor Bay High School Softball Athlete, All-League, All-County, All-District 

“You have given her a foundation and some great tools to build from. I have seen her use some of them already. She has a few seasons before college so hopefully our continued pursuit of working on the mental part of the game will have her ready by then. Thanks again for having the class and sharing your knowledge and experience with student athletes. Too many talented athletes don’t take this into consideration and fail to reach their goals because of it. I’m sure this is a big part of why your soccer team has had such success.” (After the class): “She seems to be in a better place mentally so far this season. She has a plan and is using it most of the time. She seems to bounce back quicker from adversity. I am very excited to see her mental control get better as she continues to use it and gets older. I equate mental control to teaching hitting and throwing. At first you are just taking baby steps and building a solid foundation of basic mechanics. But you can see the potential and are excited for the full bloom down the road.” Jason Schick, Anchor Bay High School Softball Parent

“Coach Grammens, I want to thank you for the great work you are doing. Your mental coaching has helped my son and daughter be mentally prepared when he and she step on the soccer field. It has taught them to focus on and off the field and how to stay calm and focused on the key skills which are important to becoming a better and more confident player. Body and mind have to work together to be successful.” Tim Joyce, Anchor Bay Soccer Parent

“I just finished listening to the mental imagery for the first time, and I loved it. It really helped me calm down and clear my head of all the stress about this game. It helped me gain some confidence because I was really able to concentrate on the good instead of the bad. It let me think about the whole game and execution besides just the pressure of going against the two tackles. Thank you again, and I’m going to continue to listen to the mental imagery.”Joey Thiede, Lake Orion Football defensive line All-State Honorable Mention 

“I think what Coach Grammens provided has to be something you believe in for it to benefit you. But being mentally strong plays a huge role in being successful not only in football but life. And when you know what you need to do mentally, you end up doing it when you face challenges. Coach Grammens taught us there is a way to recover from that mental blockage.” Isaac Kinne, Lake Orion Football First Team All-State

“Whether it was before I ran a play or even on the sideline before the game even started, (the focusing strategy) really helped me stay focused, and I felt I played better because of it.” Blaze Lauer, Lake Orion Football All-State Honorable Mention

“Listening to the mental imagery has helped me play faster and looser because I am not as down on myself. I am actually getting better at beating blocks that I used to struggle with in the past. I hope that others will see how much the mental game can affect you and how, if you improve that aspect, you can improve all around.” Dylan Kowal, Lake Orion Football defensive line

“The mentality sportsmanship class you teach does not fall on deaf ears. We have noticed our son chatting and laughing with who is covering him. Last weekend he got a cramp and the other player actually stopped to help him stretch. It’s pretty neat to see.” Bob Briedes, Anchor Bay High School Soccer Parent

“After one coaching session with Coach Grammens, my daughter played the best game I’ve seen her play in a while. She played much more aggressive, not so passive, and she attacked much, much more. She even rifled off a couple of shots, which she hasn’t done in the past.” Mike Cimini, L’Anse Creuse High School Soccer Parent and Assistant Varsity Coach

“The mental skills training helped me with regaining my confidence after a bad shot or a bad decision. I have also learned how to control my emotions created during the game and emotions created from the fans. I highly recommend this training for all parts of life, not just the field.” Megan “Magoo” Buchan, All-League, All-District, Anchor Bay High School Soccer student-athlete and Ferris State University Soccer Commit 

“The activities and outstanding discussions on mental skills training this summer will be our key to success this football season.” Mike Powell, Former Anchor Bay High School Head Football Coach and current Lake Orion High School Offensive Coordinator 

“Learning how to take life’s situations and emotionally manage them well is something that I believe is lacking in our young people today!  (and many adults!!) It has been awesome to hear parents yelling the skills you taught. This lesson has given me practical tools to use when talking with my kids, and when I feel overwhelmed as well.” Julie Domey, Ira Little League Baseball Parent 

“I have gained a better mindset throughout my recovery on and off the soccer field and am gradually becoming the player I was before my injury.” Rachel Russo, University of Detroit Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete

“Pushing through physical and mental obstacles will lead to a stronger future. The binder and books Coach Grammens used in his coaching really helped.” Ally Gaunt, 1st Team All-State Goalkeeper, Saginaw Valley State University Student-Athlete

“Thank you for having this mental training class. For a little player like me, it’s hard to physically beat someone, but now I bet I’m mentally better than the other person.” Anchor Bay Football Student-Athlete 

“My name is Jonathan, and I am the captain of the Lake Orion Cycling team you did a short mental training session for. We just had our first race a week ago and I used some of the instruction from your training during the race and in preparation for it. The most valuable part of it for me was the metaphor of traffic light for control of your focus. I made a few mistakes in the race like almost hitting a tree that pushed me to the yellow area or losing focus and control of my negative thoughts, but I was able to use the positive self-talk and breathing to return to the green and I was able to secure a third place finish in a very competitive variety field. Thank you for your help!” Jonathon, Lake Orion Cycling

“We very much appreciated your presentation on mental training. I have used many of your techniques already. I have specifically used the breathing strategy twice with injured riders. In both cases, I arrived at the scene of an accident that occurred several minutes in the past and in both cases the kids were crying and near hyperventilation…The strategies calmed the kids within 60 seconds of using the technique. The first case was an elementary school boy who broke his elbow. I was very impressed with the result.”  Lake Orion Cycling Coach