I grew up in the smallest town in Pihtipudas, never even dreaming about being a professional athlete. I just simply loved sports and competing!
So when I hosted a birthday party in the third grade for my class mates, instead of cake eating, I had organized an obstacle race on the backyard for us. Less people joined my birthday the following year. :)
As a young volleyball player, I never got invited to the junior national teams. I didn't think much of it. But all of the missed possibilities created this gap between me and the more talented people in my head. I thought that I am good, decent, but just not as good as the other people. Those people are GOOD.
So I developed a strong underdog mentality which also brought some challenges later on. Luckily I also had strong inner fire towards growth and learning that also kept me going forward and upward, so I did not let the failures to break through stop me.
It all paid off in an unexpected way. One day I got a call from a German coach who offered me a chance to go play pro for his team in Germany. I said yes without hesitation. After that season I got invited to a try out for the senior national team, I was 25 and considered as old to make it to the national team. But I made it and never looked back. I loved playing for the national team despite the fact that then the time off just few days here and there and volleyball became a year round thing.
As a young volleyball player, I never got invited to the junior national teams. I didn't think much of it. But all of the missed opportunities created this gap between me and the more talented people in my head.
I thought that I am good, decent, but just not as good as the other people. Those people are GOOD.
So I developed a strong underdog mentality which also brought some challenges later on.
Luckily I also had strong inner fire towards growth and learning that also kept me going forward and upward, so I did not let the failures to break through stop me.
It all paid off in an unexpected way. One day I got a call from a German coach who offered me a chance to go play pro for his team in Germany. I said yes without hesitation.
After that season I got invited to a try out for the senior national team, I was 25 and considered as old to make it to the national team. But I made it and never looked back.
I loved playing for the national team despite the fact that then the time off just few days here and there and volleyball became a year round thing.
Fast forward to December 2018, I went from being a professional athlete living my dream in France to a bedridden patient fighting a nasty bacterial infection in my ankle.
I had to undergo four surgeries and spent four months battling it with a hole in my ankle. Rehab was "stay still and elevate your leg higher than your heart".
It was such a surreal experience (“how is this my life??”), but it was also very real.
Despite my physical limitations and ability to win on the court, I stayed mentally active by learning like a lizard. I listened to podcasts, read books and articles, watched documentaries, and took online classes. I even started working for Extended DISC Finland/Finxs Global basically from my bed in Finland.
Little by little I built my worth as a human, not as an athlete and learned to walk again, literally.
I moved to Denver to coach volleyball and see what is this crazy thing with an American guy I met in the previous summer.. Now the crazy thing is my husband, Bryce 💛 🥹
It was during this time that I realized the impact I (and we!) can have on the (sports) world beyond the career as an athlete. I saw how the young athletes already knew the technical and tactical things but struggled with their mind.
I became even more passionate about all things related to high performance mindset, breathwork, and thought and behavioral patterns that drive us, and using deep mindset work to thrive again personally. I also realized how much I wanted to help other athletes with their mental performance. More than give them tips about passing platform.
I wanted to share my lessons, experience, insights and guidance with others so they wouldn’t have to underperform or struggle with self-doubt, burnouts or too many injuries when there are better solutions.
As a former professional athlete, I know the struggles and challenges that come with pursuing excellence in sports and in life, and the long-term commitment and sacrifices that come with bigger, ambitious goals.
The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to lose sight of our true selves and our real well-being in the process.
That’s why I then started this business – to help people like you reach that next level in an authentic way that doesn’t sacrifice YOUR health and well-being.
Through my own journey, I’ve learned that the key to achieving excellence is to align your goals with your unique values, needs, and strengths and then create a toolbox that has the tools you need for any situation.
And with my guidance, you can create a path that leads to success faster with less stress, worry and anxiety. I have been so fortunate to already coach athletes and former athletes from all levels through the process to prove how well it works.
So I really understand firsthand the importance of building trust within oneself to become excellent, stand out and up, and prioritize growth. In my own athletic career, I had to learn this lesson the hard way which is why my career ended before I would have wanted. But now, I’m here to share these lessons with you.
Whether you’re an athlete, a high performer, - simply someone who wants to live a fulfilling life of excellence in your field, I can help you find the right headspace to reach your goals. Psst. A secret: quite often, we already have the skills but our mind is limiting us. With my expertise and tools, you’ll learn to trust yourself, build confidence, joy and freedom AND achieve more in life.
I’m annoyingly passionate about helping people who are self-aware, passionate about growth and their sport/field, and willing to do the work. So if you’re ready to take the step towards your next level, let’s connect below and start this journey together.
Mental training sure doesn’t solve all of life’s problems. But the confidence, direction and priorities that come from training your mind can completely change how you experience your, not only sport/work career but also the beautiful life you have.
Take it from a girl who hoped that it was true to feel confident and excellent without sacrificing everything for it... Then lived it.
If you’re eager to learn the steps, strategies, and shortcuts that will help you grow your mental strength and performance, I’m excited to help you get there!
Mental training sure doesn’t solve all of life’s problems.
But the confidence, direction and priorities that come from training your mind can completely change how you experience your, not only sport/work career but also the beautiful life you have.
Take it from a girl who hoped that it was true to feel confident and excellent without sacrificing everything for it... Then lived it.
If you’re eager to learn the steps, strategies, and shortcuts that will help you grow your mental strength and performance, I’m excited to help you get there!
"I was struggling with anxiety and stress, and allowing stressing about the wrong things effect the enjoyment I got out of sports.
I was at the point where the smallest change to my schedule or training routine would stress me out and make me anxious - really effecting my performance and general well being.
Another thing was guilt. I would over train to shut off the guilt in my head…
Since we started working together with Saana, I have been able to listen to my body so much more. I have learned to always work out the route of my stresses and anxiety. I've been able to adapt to anxious feelings at training, use breathing techniques and have started enjoying my training again by not putting as much pressure on it.
This hasn't just improved my thinking and actions in my sport and performance but overall life as well!"
"It was the best decision of my life to invest in this program because it has had such a huge impact in my playing but also in life in general.
Now when I look back, I can see how many absolutely crazy good things have happened and these things would have not happened if I would have not been coached by you.
I have found myself again and I enjoy life very much at the moment 🤩. So thank you!
Book a free call to discuss options! Just one piece of advice.. Do it now. The sooner you book the call, the sooner you can get all the tools and tips how to achieve more with less stress.