Michael Lutes, M.S.
I emphasize the holistic development of athletes as individuals, valuing personal growth and well-being as much as athletic success. With a vision that considers the importance of mental, physical, and nutritional support, my primary focus remains on enhancing mental resilience and fostering a growth-oriented mindset. As I work toward earning my Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, I am committed to applying evidence-based strategies to help athletes strengthen their mental skills. My goal is to equip individuals with tools that extend beyond sport and enrich their overall lives!
Special Thanks to:
Corbin Barnett
Corbin was my former peer and collaborator, with whom I had the privilege of winning the Outstanding Non-Thesis Project award for our work on Mental Highground. His insight and knowledge of mental performance played a huge role in shaping the direction of that project — and, in many ways, helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become Mental Highground.
His contributions not only made that achievement possible but also continue to inspire the mission and values that Mental Highground is grounded upon. I'm incredibly grateful for the time we shared and the ideas we built together.
Dr. Ben Webb
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Benjamin Webb, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director of Exercise and Sport Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Dr. Webb's comprehensive approach to exercise and sport psychology, integrating mental performance with nutrition and strength training, ignited my passion for a holistic approach to coaching. His guidance was instrumental in helping me understand the interconnectedness of these disciplines, inspiring me to pursue a career that encompasses mental performance, nutrition, and strength optimization. Dr. Webb's dedication to bridging theory and practice has profoundly influenced my professional journey, and I am grateful for his mentorship during my time at SIUE.