Welcome the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. This is part two of our three-part series with The True Athlete Project. Lisa chats with Sam Parfitt, the CEO and founder of The True Athlete Project. Sam is a former NCAA Division I tennis player, a coach, and a mindfulness teacher. He holds a Master’s in Science in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development from the University of Edinburgh

In this episode, Sam shares his story of loving tennis as a kid, only to see it turn cold and destructive. This inspired him to use mindfulness to improve performance, support mental health, and build a kinder sports culture. He also discusses techniques like mindful walking and body scans that his organization uses to help athletes.

Key Takeaways from “The True Athlete Project Series: Building a Compassionate World Through Sport with Sam Parfitt”

Sam’s personal story: How the joy of sport turned cold and destructive, sparking his mission.
The role of mindfulness in performance, well-being, and building compassionate communities.
Overcoming the “old school” mentality: Making mental fitness accessible and relevant.
Favorite mindfulness practices for athletes: Mindful walking and body scans.
The True Athlete Project’s mission to revolutionize sport for individuals and society.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

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Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

Sam Parfitt: LinkedIn | website
Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

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