Kings Hammer Sets the Standard with Mental Performance Partnership
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PsyOPTIMAL Integration Redefines Elite Youth Development
Kings Hammer is making history—becoming the first youth soccer club to deliver championship-level mental performance training to every U14–U19 Greater Cincinnati Elite athlete.
Through a bold, club-wide integration of PsyOPTIMAL—the same platform used by the 2025 NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder—Kings Hammer is helping players:
- Thrive under pressure
- Sharpen focus
- Lead with confidence both on and off the field
Already a national leader with over 6,500 athletes across four states, Kings Hammer is setting the pace in youth sports innovation by making mental training a core part of player development.
Mental Performance: The New Competitive Edge
“Physical conditioning and technical skills will always be core to what we do,” says Chris Peterman, Kings Hammer CEO. “But in 2025, if you’re not training the mind, you’re falling behind. PsyOPTIMAL gives our players the edge to perform under pressure, adapt quickly, and lead with confidence.”
Developed by Dr. Wayne Chappelle, performance psychologist for the NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder and former U.S. Special Operations consultant, PsyOPTIMAL blends elite sports science with digital tools designed specifically for youth athletes.
Players develop traits such as:
- Emotional regulation
- Focus and attention
- Resilience and stress response
- Communication and leadership
- Coachability and team cohesion
All delivered through:
- AI-powered performance insights
- Quick, science-based assessments tailored for youth athletes
- Personalized tools and training resources for mindset, focus, and growth
From NBA Locker Rooms to Kings Hammer Fields
For Kings Hammer families, this means every U14–U19 Greater Cincinnati Elite player will receive:
- Their own PsyOPTIMAL dashboard
- A personalized mental performance plan
- Access to exclusive parent learning sessions
“We’re giving our athletes the same performance tools the pros rely on,” says Bronson Gambale, National Technical Director. “But we’re using them to grow more than performance—we’re growing character, confidence, and people who thrive beyond the game.”
Coaches will receive team-level insights to help improve cohesion, performance, and communication. Parents stay engaged through webinars and tailored development updates—creating a shared language and support system across the club.
Leading the Nation in Youth Sports Innovation
“Everyone talks about mindset and composure, but very few clubs are implementing systems to actually develop it,” says Bryan Fetzer, Co-Founder of PsyOPTIMAL. “Kings Hammer isn’t reacting to trends—they’re setting the standard.”
This is not a temporary initiative—it’s a club-wide, long-term integration that positions Kings Hammer as a national leader in mental performance development.
As expectations rise across competitive youth soccer—from college recruiters to families seeking long-term development—this partnership ensures Kings Hammer athletes are not only physically prepared, but mentally equipped for what’s next.
The Future: Smarter, Predictive, Personalized
Kings Hammer’s use of PsyOPTIMAL also unlocks one of the most advanced mental performance data strategies in youth sports, enabling:
- Performance benchmarking by age, level, and position
- Trend analysis to inform coaching and team development
- Predictive indicators of pressure readiness and resilience
- More complete athlete profiles to support recruiting and long-term success
Because this isn’t just about the next game—it’s about building confident, capable young adults, ready for life on and off the field.
About Kings Hammer
With over 25 years of history, Kings Hammer is one of the premier youth soccer organizations in the United States. Known for its elite training environment and player-first culture, the club now serves athletes across the Midwest and Southeast while expanding nationally through events, partnerships, and acquisitions.
About PsyOPTIMAL
Founded by Dr. Wayne Chappelle, PsyOPTIMAL combines decades of elite sports psychology, clinical science, and performance research into an AI-driven platform used by NBA champions, NCAA programs, and forward-thinking youth organizations nationwide.
