by Lilly Corso
Lilly Corso is a junior business student at Endicott College, majoring in marketing. Beyond the classroom, Corso is a member of the Endicott’s NCAA D-III women’s ice hockey team, having developed teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills both on and off the ice.
We train for speed. We train for power. We train for endurance. But no one really prepares you for the mental side of college hockey – the doubt, the setbacks, the pressure to perform when the stakes feel sky-high.
Mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build. And in my experience, it’s one of the most important parts of being a successful college athlete.
Setbacks Happen – It’s How You Respond
Maybe you get benched. Maybe you blow a shift.
It hurts. It stings. And your confidence takes a hit. But here’s what I’ve learned: setbacks don’t mean you’re failing – they mean you’re being challenged to level up.
Instead of spiralling, I started asking better questions:
- What can I control?
- How do I bounce back?
- What’s this teaching me?
Criticism Isn’t Personal
Coaches will call you out. Teammates will push you. Feedback can feel like a punch to the gut – especially when you’ve given your all. But here’s the truth: the goal isn’t to feel good all the time.
The goal is to get better. And that means listening with an open mind, separating your ego from your effort and knowing that tough love often comes from a place of belief.
Mental Toughness Is a Daily Choice
It’s not just about the big moments. It’s waking up for a 6 A.M. practice when you’re sore and tired. It’s staying late to work on plays. It’s staying locked in when the team is down by two with five minutes left.
Mental toughness is saying “I’ve got this” even when your brain is screaming “I don’t.”
Tools That Helped Me Stay Strong:
- Routine: Structure keeps your head clear. I stick to consistent pregame rituals and daily habits.
- Journaling: Writing out my thoughts after tough games helps me process and move on.
- Support System: My teammates, coaches, and family keep me grounded.
- Perspective: Remembering that I get to play college hockey – not that I have to – keeps me grateful, even on the hard days.
Mental toughness isn’t about never struggling. It’s about showing up anyway. It’s about pushing through when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about trusting that every tough moment is shaping you into the player – and person – you’re meant to be.
So next time you’re facing a challenge, remind yourself: Your body is strong, but your mind? That’s your real superpower.