Sports Psychology, Youth Engagement, and Relationship Management
We’re teaming up with sports psychologist Aren Ulmer and Women’s Coaching Alliance leaders Pam Baker and Claire Rietmann-Grout for an interactive session on what it takes to thrive as a coach today. Together, we’ll explore how to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, navigate the evolving pressures athletes face, foster a positive team culture, and strengthen your relationships with the players you lead.
About the Facilitators
Aren Ulmer
Aren J. Ulmer is a highly skilled sport psychology professional dedicated to enhancing athletic performance, mental resilience, and overall well-being. Specializing in the holistic development of athletes, he integrates evidence-based psychological strategies with his lived experience as a former collegiate athlete and coach. Aren is passionate about creating impactful strategies that optimize performance while promoting personal growth and wellness.
Currently a Doctoral Candidate in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Arizona Global Campus, Aren also holds a Master of Arts in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology from Holy Names University. His academic background provides a strong understanding of human behavior, mental performance, and sports management.
Aren works with NCAA and professional athletes, coaches, executives, and educators. He is a Mental Performance Coach at Courtex Performance and IMG Academy+ and previously served at Atlanta United’s MLS Academy. A sought-after speaker, he has presented at the Black Student-Athlete Summit and AASP Conferences.
Pam Baker
Pam Baker is the founder of the Women’s Coaching Alliance whose mission is to develop female leaders through coaching youth sports. The Women’s Coaching Alliance was created in honor of Pam’s late husband Doug, a dedicated dad and coach committed to giving every kid the opportunity to learn invaluable life lessons through sport and an advocate of getting more women involved in coaching youth sports.
Prior to starting the Women’s Coaching Alliance, Pam spent more than 20 years in leadership at healthcare companies big and small and across biotech, pharmaceuticals, digital health, diagnostics and consulting. Originally from New Jersey, Pam received her BA in Political Science and Asian Studies from Northwestern University and a graduate degree in International Management from Thunderbird. Pam is the mom of teenage twin daughters and a strong advocate for women's leadership. She serves on the board of the International Women's Forum and the Field Middle School.
Claire Rietmann-Grout
Claire Rietmann-Grout is a former college athlete, experienced coach, and school leader with over 18 years in all-girls education. A championship-winning varsity softball coach and program founder, Claire has designed impactful leadership experiences that empower young women through sport.
As Director of Coach Development at the Women’s Coaching Alliance, Claire brings her deep knowledge of coaching, curriculum design, and youth development to support coaches at every level. She is especially passionate about coaching coaches—helping them build strong relationships with their athletes, lead with confidence, and create team environments rooted in connection, growth, and joy.
In her spare time, Claire loves spending time in nature, traveling, and writing about confidence, leadership, and sport on her blog, The Positive Coach.
Due to limited space, please only register if you are certain you can attend.
