Champion MindSet: with Allie Lehmann

3 mins read

by Dr. Chantale Lussier, PhD

Alexandra Lehmann has earned a spot on Team Switzerland and along with it, the opportunity to participate in international competitions for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s World Championships and 5 Nations’ Cup. A Cecil Lake, British Columbia local, The Swiss-Canadian goalie has been playing professional hockey in Switzerland’s National League for four years, winning the national championship with the Lugano Ladies two years ago, and again most recently with the Women’s SC Berne.

The former Carleton women’s hockey goaltender played two years as a Raven before turning pro in the summer of 2020. During this time of transition from University to pro hockey, Lehmann said she was mindful of what she had worked on with Dr Lussier, her Mental Performance Coach, through the season: “Together, we altered my approach to playing big games and acknowledging the emotional side of the game. If I focused on staying present and competing, then the performance would take care of itself” (Hopkins, 2021). In her fourth pro season in Switzerland, Allie now plays for the SC Bern Frauen and has her sights set on the upcoming 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championships in Utica, USA in April.

I (CL) recently spoke with Allie (AL) and asked her how she takes care of her mental health and how she approaches her mental performance as a professional athlete. Check out her great insights below!

Photo credit: Samuel Stahli

CL: What does mental health mean to you at this point in your life?

AL: At this point in my life, mental health means consistency. You can’t schedule self-care once a week or solve all your problems by doing a spa day. If I don’t pause during my day and try to put my body back into “rest and digest” (Parasympathetic nervous system), then I notice my overall mood is worse. From working with you (Chantale), I’ve realized that if you’re intentional and mindful of certain activities, they contribute to better mental health. Things such as walks, having dinner with roommates, and calling my parents (and not talking about hockey).

CL: Describe to us your mindset as a professional and national team athlete?

AL: I think what helps me as an athlete is to never settle for average, and always looking for ways to improve. Especially in team sports, it’s easy to fall into the habits of your teammates around you, but if you have goals beyond your current team then you have to find other things that set you apart. For me that means extra mobility, lots of sleep, eating enough protein, coordination training, and most importantly working on the mental side.

Photo credit: Charpy Photography

CL: In preparation for a game or international tournament what is one thing you do to mentally prepare yourself to excel?

AL: I don’t have any secrets, I get nervous on game day just like everyone else… From working with you (Chantale), I learned a tool call W.I.N. aka What’s Important Now, which just asks what can I do in this moment to help me have success? Usually it isn’t making a big save, it’s just being in the moment. I tell myself before every game that if I’m present and compete, then I can’t regret the outcome. This takes the pressure off, because there’s really nothing more you can do than just be in the moment and do your best to stop all the pucks

CL: Any advice for young athletes? What’s one thing you would say to your younger self?

AL: My advice to young athletes is to enjoy being with your team, because nobody remembers much of what happens during games or performances, but most athletes I talk to remember the fun moments with their teammates. It’s also important to understand that no single game or performance determines your entire career.

CL: Great advice! Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us. All the best for the rest of your season with Bern Frauen and Team Switzerland!

Photo credit: Samuel Stahli

Guest bio: Alexandra Lehmann is a Swiss-Canadian Sr Technician at Janssen Vaccines Bern, a professional ice hockey player with SC Bern, and a member of the Swiss Women's National team. A graduate of Carleton University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. In addition, Allie has significant professional experience as a sports coach, substitute teacher, and farmer, tirelessly working in the off season for Transpine Farms. A multi talented individual, she also plays guitar, loves to sing with her family, and is a deeply caring Christian who exercises her faith in all facets of her life. Follow Allie on Instagram for all her latest!

Photo credit: Daniel Andre Stentz

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