Emma Evanko is the founder of The Athlete's Mental Playbook, LLC., a company dedicated to helping athletes strengthen their mental resilience, overcome performance anxiety, and maintain a healthy sense of self. Drawing from her own transformative journey, Emma is deeply committed to providing athletes with the tools they need to navigate the pressures of competitive sports while maintaining their mental well-being.

Emma's personal experience with the challenges athletes face began during her college recruiting process, where she struggled with intense performance anxiety. The constant pressure to perform and secure a spot at the next level took a toll on her mental health, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and often doubting her worth. But her most significant challenge came later, when a recurring overuse injury forced her to medically retire from her sport. What began as a physical setback soon led to a deep identity crisis, as Emma had spent so much of her life defining herself through her athletic achievements.

It was during her time at Butler University that Emma was introduced to a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who would become a turning point in her journey. Through therapy, Emma learned how to process and feel the suppressed emotions she had long avoided—emotions that stemmed not only from her injury but from the broader pressures and expectations she had carried for years. This experience helped her understand the critical importance of mental health in the life of an athlete, and the tools she developed to manage her emotions ultimately led her to develop a passion for sports psychology.

Following her own healing journey, Emma made it her mission to support other athletes facing similar struggles. She founded The Athlete's Mental Playbook with the goal of helping athletes build mental strength, overcome obstacles, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Emma is also the Director of True IN Girls Lacrosse Club where she has made it her mission to create a positive environment for her athletes and run the program from a holistic approach. Through coaching, community engagement, and creating resources tailored specifically to the athlete experience, Emma empowers athletes to cultivate a healthy mindset, whether they are coping with performance anxiety, injuries, or the challenges of life beyond sport.

Today, Emma is an advocate for mental well-being in the athletic community, recognizing that true success in sports—and in life—comes from a balance of physical and mental health. By sharing her story and the lessons she’s learned, Emma is helping athletes not only excel in their sports but also thrive in their personal lives, long after the final whistle blows.