Athletic Testimonials

“At the end of each season, as I reflect on what I can do to make our team better, I often land on one area that’s absolutely critical for success – the mental game.

Bringing Mike in to work with our team has provided a spark of greatness for our entire program. The players really relate to his authentic, passionate approach. He possesses an uncanny ability to create buy-in on the part of our young men, thus empowering them to live the principles he’s teaching. As a result, our players are growing as people, not just athletes.

As long as I’m coaching college baseball, Mike will be an integral part of our program.”

Jason Hawkins
College Baseball Coach

“Having been in the coaching profession for many years, I’ve gained the most satisfaction by having the opportunity to help shape the character of my players, ultimately preparing them for life beyond baseball. Mike Sissel is a masterful coach who shares a similar passion for the “game of life”. His ability to connect with athletes is unmatched. If you have an opportunity for Mike to work with your team, it will truly be the “gift” that will keep on giving. He has been a blessing to my family.”

Pat Murphy
Bench Coach – Milwaukee Brewers

“Over 50 of our high school student athletes were lucky to spend some time working with Mike and hearing his message. It was time well spent. His message of perseverance, confidence, and owning your power were impactful and opened up some great discussion amongst the group. However it was not just the message that Mike presented, but his has a unique ability to connect with people and gain their trust immediately. Our student-athletes not only learned and grew as athletes, but more importantly as people. They loved having Mike visit!”

Tal Wold
Head Girls Basketball Coach – Silverton High School

“The Gold Medal Gymnastics team has had the honor of working with Mr. Sissel over the course of a few years now, and it’s hard to put into words the tremendous impact he has had on our athletes and staff. Mike shares his smile, energy, and passion for teaching with all of us, and EVERY time we work together I learn something new! Whether it’s suggestions on how we, as coaches, can keep our attitudes and emotions “above the line”, or trying to view situations through a different lens to achieve more positive outcomes…I, for one, have used these tools not only as I coach, but also throughout all aspects of my life. And, I know our gymnasts have reaped the rewards of Mr. Sissel’s program because they come away from his sessions smiling, happy, and more aware of the control they have over the choices they make, their relationships, and how they can be more positive in their interactions with others. I truly believe our Gold Medal staff and athletes are a more cohesive team unit because of what we’ve taken away from our time with Mr. Sissel. I hope his relationship with our team continues for many more years to come!!! Thank you for all that you do!”

Caitlin Slein
Gold Medal Gymnastics Coach

“Wow! What an amazing person! We are so fortunate to have Mike Sissel in our lives. Having two daughters that compete, I cannot thank him enough for all of valuable lessons learned. He empowers my girls with tools and strategies to become not only better athletes but better people. He helps them to build strong character traits that will benefit them long after their time in completion has come to an end. He’s had a positive influence on the mindset of our entire family and for that we are truly blessed.”

Kim Roberts-Johson
Parent

“Mr. Sissel is an amazing mental toughness coach. You always make sure we have the right mindset and have helped us through many mental blocks in our gymnastics. We would definitely not be where we are without you. Thank you for also coming to our school, because those kids need it too! We love you!”

Kali and Kailyn
GMG Gymnasts

“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me. My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says “He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true”. So thankful to have him in my children’s lives.”

Sally Moore
Parent

“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. Read all these 5 star reviews, multiply it by 100 and you still don’t come close to the impact that Mr. Sissel has made in our family’s life. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and “change her lens” so that she could perform successfully.”

Fred Sanchez
Parent

“Every coach at some point during their season addresses their team/squad on the topic of Mental Toughness. I highly recommend inviting Mike Sissel to share his dynamic program to any coach of any sport at the high school or college level. He has broken down this sports cliche concept into tangible components with excellent real life examples that empowers athletes to take charge and control their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. His insightful and powerful words will have a tremendous influence over individuals and the team as a whole, including the coaching staff. Since Mike presented to my basketball team we continue to utilize his lessons on a daily basis in practice, film sessions, game preparation, in the classroom, and in our personal endeavors. His ideas can be life changing for many student-athletes.”

Everett Hartman
Head Basketball Coach – Linn Benton Community College

“I’ve gotten to experience Kaleido Eye as both a coach and a parent. I’m so grateful for the challenging and useful information shared each time Mike Sissel conducts a session. Mr. Sissel has a special way of communicating, perspective shifting, and taking students and adults alike to a place of self-reflection. He tackles relevant issues with his spin on age-old truths by presenting them as tools to help tackle difficult situations. He has a positive, creative and interactive approach which keeps his audience engaged and leaving with digestible takeaways. In an age inundated with social media comparisons and plagued with bullying, I love that my girls (9 &12) have voices beyond their parents’ advocating for their emotional health and self-worth. You can tell Mike is passionate about using his gifts to leave a legacy of empowering, edifying, and equipping the next generation!”

Stephanie Kohlmeier
Gold Medal Gymnastics Coach & Parent

“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter’s school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life’s big picture , but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. His program is impactful for such a wide range of people as well. Our 7 year old, 12 year old and the coaches and teachers in their lives get so much from his programs. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”

Margo Ingram
Parent

“I was introduced to Mike my senior year of high school in early 2013 to be my life coach as I figured out whether I wanted to continue playing basketball in college and deal with the stress of senior year. He and I have continued our relationship going to this day. Anytime I ever need some guidance he is always there to help out. Even if we are not in contact for awhile, his posts and stories on Facebook always give me some daily motivation to seize the day. Mike’s energy, positivity, and passion for what he does is remarkable and I would encourage anyone to seek him out as a life coach. Thanks for everything Mike, you’re the man!”

Dylan Bliss
Former College Basketball Player – Rhodes College