Meet Sarah Straton

Location
Redondo Beach, CA
About Me
I’m a positive psychology coach and Olympian helping athletes and parents of athletes to improve performance, wellbeing, and communication, not just in sports, but in life.
Why I Want To Be A Coach
I coach because I care about athletes as human beings. I spent 15 years as a touring professional athlete and became an Olympian, but it was a life-changing experience with a sports psychologist, who saw me as more than just an athlete, that helped me flourish both on and off the court. That encounter kick-started my educational journey into parent and coach education, a masters degree in positive psychology and coaching, and my life’s work for the last 12 years- helping people thrive in sports and life. I have coached athletes from the collegiate level, down to 10 year-olds, empowering them to build confidence, break free of perfectionism, and develop the mindset, skills, and habits that maximize their athletic potential as well as enhance their wellbeing and resilience for the rest of their lives. I also coach parents in creating the kind of environment that will help their children thrive in whatever avenue they pursue.
My Coaching Philosophy
I support clients to optimize their performance AND well-being, emphasizing the whole person, not just the athlete. My philosophy is based on Self-Determination Theory: that we are all innately driven toward growth, and that optimal conditions (where our psychological needs for autonomy, mastery, and connection are met) lead to increased performance.
I Best Describe My Coaching Style As…
Humanistic. I strive to create an environment that allows my clients to pursue growth, development and higher performance while being their full and authentic selves
My Favorite Book is…
The Book Thief
My Favorite Movie/TV Show is…
Ted Lasso, Barry
My Favorite Podcast is…
Finding Mastery, with Michael Gervais (the sports psychologist who changed my life!)
My Proudest Accomplishment is…
Representing my country at the Olympic Games
I’m Most Grateful For…
The support I have received from family, friends, and helping professionals that has allowed me to live this amazing life… and of course I’m grateful for the unconditional love I receive from my golden retriever, Geordie
What I Look For In The Athletes I Coach
I look for athletes who are driven to seek coaching because they recognize that there is something they would like to change in their lives and are ready to do something about it. I appreciate clients who can be self-reflective and are open to expanding their capacity for discomfort.