Mental Momentum
A Sports Psychology Show hosted by Dr. Jeni Hopkins
It all started when…
I have always been fascinated by the mental side of sports. It is the differentiating factor between good and great, and great and the best. It is what separates participants from competitors and competitors from champions.
As a former two-sport college athlete, coach, current sports broadcaster, and mental performance coach, I have witnessed repeatedly the power of the mental game. This show explores that critical element—the mindset that drives athletic excellence.
Mental Momentum is a sports psychology radio program designed to address the often-overlooked mental and emotional challenges that athletes, coaches, and sports families face at every level of competition. Hosted by Dr. Jeni Hopkins, an experienced mental coach and sports counselor with a PhD in Performance Psychology, this show will provide a much-needed platform for exploring the psychological aspects of athletic performance and sports participation.
The program will offer practical coping strategies, expert insights, and community-driven discussions on topics including performance anxiety, perfectionism, fear of failure, and other mental roadblocks that impact athletic success and personal well-being.
Purpose
In today's competitive sports landscape, physical training alone is no longer sufficient for optimal performance. Mental Momentum recognizes that the psychological component of athletics is equally crucial to success, yet it remains underserved in sports media programming. This show fills that gap by creating an accessible, welcoming space where listeners can explore mental performance topics without stigma or judgment.
The program will serve as an educational resource and support system for the entire sports community. Athletes struggling with performance anxiety will find validation and practical tools. Coaches will gain insights into supporting their teams' mental health. Parents will learn how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of youth sports. Whether listeners are dealing with comeback challenges after injury, managing pressure in high-stakes competitions, or simply seeking to enhance their mental game, Mental Momentum will provide evidence-based guidance delivered in an engaging, conversational format.
More about the host…
More about the host…
Dr. Jeni Hopkins brings a unique combination of academic expertise and real-world experience to Mental Momentum. With a 24-year coaching background, master’s in counseling, over 30 years in sports counseling, and a doctorate in performance psychology, she understands both the practical and theoretical dimensions of sports psychology. Her extensive work as a mental coach for teams and individuals, clinic presenter, conference speaker, and sports counselor has given her firsthand insight into the challenges athletes face across all levels of competition.
Dr. Hopkins currently serves as a school administrator demonstrating her commitment to education and youth development. Her existing radio presence as host of A Coach's Perspective has established her credibility and rapport with sports audiences. Additionally, her role as Media Coordinator for the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and her service on the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame board reflect her deep integration in the regional sports community. This combination of credentials, experience, and community connections positions Dr. Hopkins as the ideal voice to lead conversations about sports psychology.
Episodes:
April 1, 2026 - Guest: Kathryn Fishman-Weaver
Contact and to send in scenarios
Have a scenario you would like discussed on the show? Of course, names, schools, and identifying information will be kept confidential.