The ACE Mental Performance Team
Our Story
We met during our time at the University of Denver, joining together as co-consultants for one of our placements while we were students and the rest is history! This opportunity sparked our relationship— professional and outside of mental performance. Leaning on one another for guidance throughout the program led to endless coffee shop meetings, lots of back and forth texts, and ultimately here!
Meet Clarissa
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Hi! I'm Clarissa, Co-founder and Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) at ACE. Like many athletes I work with, my own journey through sports— track and field & cross country—was a mix of passion and struggle. As a competitive runner with the Mambas USATF club, I battled my own mentality, more specifically, perfectionistic tendencies and a lack of consistent discipline. This mental barrier eventually led me to step away from the sport I loved in a way that felt unfinished.
That experience became my driving why. It sparked my passion for mental performance: I wanted to give athletes the resources and tools I wish I had to pursue my sport with the passion I knew I had but needed someone to help me put all the pieces together.
This led me to the University of Denver and I now hold my Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology. Where I was fueled by discovering: How do we transform high-stakes perfectionism into consistent, disciplined performance?
Today at ACE, my work is grounded in self-awareness and collaboration. I partner with teams and individuals to build a powerful toolbox of mental skills. My mission is to help you perform at a high level and develop an individualized toolbox that is centered around the passion that makes you, you.
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I believe approaching performance excellence begins with creating a foundation centered around increased self-awareness which promotes acceptance. When we begin to understand how we are on a moment-to-moment basis we can then learn more about where different mental skills can be integrated. This could look like routines, confidence, self-talk, and learning to shift our attention. I approach performance excellence with the mindset of walking alongside those I work with, fostering collaboration to allow our work to focus on what is most relevant for them.
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M.A. Sport and Performance Psychology, University of Denver, CO
B.S. Psychology & Sport and Exercise Science, Marian University, WI
Performance Background: Junior Olympic Runne
Meet Sophie
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Hi, I’m Sophie—Co-Founder of ACE and a Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) who knows exactly what it’s like when your mind becomes your toughest opponent.
Before I was an MPC, I was a collegiate volleyball player (Junior College and NCAA DII). On the outside, I was a competitor; on the inside, I was battling performance anxiety and the constant weight of perfectionism. I learned firsthand that those "mental barriers” don’t just stay in your head—they directly impact your ability to play freely and perform consistently.
My own journey through the highs and lows of college sports sparked a deep curiosity: How can we compete at a high level (and win) without sacrificing our well-being?
This question led me to the University of Denver, where I earned my Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology.
Today at ACE, I help individuals and teams navigate the challenges experienced when competing at a high level using evidence-based mental skills training. My work is grounded in collaboration—we don't just talk about the skills; we build a custom, productive strategy that fits your specific needs and helps you be at your best in sport and life.
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I approach striving for performance excellence by first building self-awareness - fostering acceptance as well as the understanding of what the person needs to be at their best. This begins the collaboration on how to develop focus, optimal regulation, confidence, and a deep rooted sense of purpose. Understanding these core principles foster performance excellence, but allowing the space for collaboration on how these skills can be developed based on the unique experiences of the person.
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M.A. Sport and Performance Psychology, The University of Denver, CO
B.S. Psychology, Missouri Southern State University, MO
Performance Background: NCAA Division II Volleyball