Lessons from Local Leaders:

Michael Mabry

Building Champions from the Inside Out: Michael Mabry on Mental Performance, Purpose, and One Play Development

Michael Mabry is on a mission to redefine what success looks like for young athletes—and it has nothing to do with trophies.

As the co-founder of One Play Development, Michael leads a powerful initiative focused on player and personal development. What began in 2021 as Mabry Academy has since evolved into a nationwide movement helping youth athletes build not just skills—but character, clarity, confidence, and purpose.

With programs grounded in mental performance, lifestyle alignment, and evidence-based coaching, One Play is transforming youth sports into a holistic experience that prepares kids for success on and off the field.

A Shift from Coaching to Mentoring

Michael’s journey started with one goal: become a Hall of Fame coach. But over time, he realized the real legacy wasn’t in win records—it was in people. “There’s nothing like helping someone transform,” he shares. “Especially during the teenage years, when the right coaching can shift the entire trajectory of someone’s life.”

And that’s exactly what he and his team do—offering high-impact mentorship rooted in positive psychology, skill-building, and personal accountability. One Play now serves athletes across the U.S. and beyond through both in-person and virtual coaching sessions.

What Do Young Athletes Really Need?

While many parents and coaches focus on scholarships and stat sheets, Michael sees deeper. The real challenges youth face? Anxiety, low confidence, performance pressure, social dynamics, and lack of clarity about who they are becoming.

That’s where One Play’s curriculum stands out. Built on a framework called Five to Thrive—think well, move well, connect well, fuel well, and recover well—it gives athletes the mental tools to thrive on and off the field. Sessions incorporate mindfulness, mindset work, goal-setting, nutrition education, and relationship coaching, all customized to the athlete’s unique life stage.

“We’re not clinical therapists,” Michael explains. “We teach mental performance—how to handle adversity, reset after failure, manage your energy, and take ownership of your growth.”

From Pressure to Presence

One of the most common patterns Michael sees in athletes? Living too far in the future. The pressure to “make it” can rob them of the joy of playing. That’s why One Play is all about bringing athletes back to the now—focusing on the next rep, the next play, the next breath.

He shares a mantra that anchors both his coaching and his life: “What matters most?” That question shows up in conversations with athletes, parents, and even in his own journaling practice. Whether helping a teen bounce back from injury or navigate team friction, Michael brings them back to the root: self-belief, peace of mind, and presence.

Real Change, Real Connection

What sets One Play apart isn’t just the programming—it’s the people. With a growing team of elite coaches (including former college and pro athletes), the organization prioritizes deep connection. Their virtual format allows Michael to coach athletes everywhere from California to Maine to Hong Kong—ensuring consistency, even across time zones.

And the impact is real. Parents no longer just want their kids to “win”—they want them to be resilient, joyful, confident, and equipped for life. That’s the shift Michael sees happening, and it’s fueling his drive to scale One Play’s reach across the country.

Beyond the Field: Books, Speaking, and the Bigger Mission

Michael isn’t stopping at coaching. He’s currently working on his first book, BPO: Best Possible Outcome, which breaks down the concept of optimistic mental framing and simple, consistent strategies for mindset mastery. He also hopes to take One Play into more schools through live speaking engagements that inspire youth to own their growth and build mental strength early.

Final Message: Start With What Matters Most

Whether you’re a coach, parent, athletic director, or educator, Michael offers this invitation: “Ask yourself, what matters most? When we stop chasing metrics and start prioritizing purpose, mindset, and peace of mind—we give young people the foundation they need to truly thrive.”

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