"Your mind is your strongest muscle—train it well."
At GameTime Performance, we specialize in helping athletes unlock their full potential through mental performance training. While we focus on hockey, our coaching services are designed to support athletes in any sport who are looking to elevate their mindset and enhance their performance.
Our goal is simple: to build mental resilience, focus, and confidence, empowering athletes to perform at their best when it matters most. Whether you're looking to overcome pressure, improve decision-making, or develop a winning mindset, GameTime Performance provides the tools and strategies to help you succeed both on and off the field.
MEET NICK ORRIS
Hi, I’m Nick Orris, owner and lead coach of GameTime Performance! My passion for guiding the next generation of youth athletes is what inspired me to create GameTime Performance. In today’s world, young athletes face immense pressures—from parents, teammates, coaches, and even the influence of social media. These challenges can easily strip the joy out of sports. That’s why I’m dedicated to helping athletes not just excel in their game, but also rediscover the pure love of playing.
Since 2017, I’ve been deeply involved in youth hockey, coaching players ages 8 to 18 from house league to elite levels, as well as running tournaments and spring/summer programs. In addition, I started and successfully ran my own company—a leap of faith at 23 years old that taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and growth. In 2024, I further pursued my passion for shaping young lives through my Master’s of Education Program while becoming a Secondary Education Business Teacher, and as of 2025, have started an additional Master’s in Sports Psychology Program.
At GameTime Performance, my mission goes beyond improving athletic performance. I aim to equip athletes with the mental strength to tackle challenges on and off the field, rink, or court, fostering resilience, confidence, and a mindset that lifts not only themselves but also those around them. Athletes spend countless hours sharpening their technical skills, yet the mental side of the game is often overlooked. Having the right mindset is the key to unlocking their full potential—whether that means reaching the highest levels of competition or simply enjoying their sport to the fullest.
At GameTime Performance, we never lose sight of the “why.” Every athlete starts playing because they love the game. Our focus is to help them keep that passion alive while building the mental skills that lead to success, enjoyment, and growth both in sports and in life.
Degrees/Certifications/Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with Endorsement in Business Administration
Master’s Degree in Education (Secondary, Business Teacher)
Pursuing Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology (Est. 2026 Grad)
USA Hockey Level 4 Certified Coach
USA Hockey Goaltending Silver Certified
Director of Youth Hockey for Omaha Lancers (USHL): 2017-2020
President & Owner of Rising Stars Hockey: 2020-2024
Head Coach, Nebraska Knights: 2022-Present
Assistant Coach, Omaha Hockey: 2021-2023
Coach, Goalies Inc.: 2022-Present
Coach, Mitch Korn Goalie Camp: 2022
Goalie Coach, NxtLevel Hockey Academy: 2022-Present
How Can Mental Performance Coaching Help Athletes Elevate Their Game?
Mental performance coaching equips athletes with the tools to boost confidence, manage stress, and perform at their peak. By focusing on mindset, resilience, and mental preparation, athletes can overcome challenges, stay composed under pressure, and consistently bring their best to every game. It's not just about playing the game—it’s about mastering the mental skills that take performance to the next level.
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GET STARTED ON THE JOURNEY TO THE BEST VERSION OF YOU TODAY!
At GameTime Performance, we work closely with youth athletes to help them build confidence, stay calm under pressure, and develop the mental toughness they need to thrive in their sport. Together, we focus on skills like managing pressure, bouncing back from challenges, and setting meaningful goals to help them perform at their best. Our goal is to empower your athlete with the mindset and tools to succeed—not just in the game, but in every aspect of their journey through life.
Schedule your first 20 minute session for FREE and see how GameTime Performance can enhance your young athlete to be their best.
FAQs
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A mental performance coach helps young athletes develop the mindset and skills needed to excel both in their sport as well as their life. Sports aren’t just about physical ability—success often comes down to confidence, focus, and the ability to handle pressure. A mental performance coach works with athletes to:
Build self-confidence so they can trust their abilities.
Manage stress and stay calm under pressure during games and competitions.
Improve focus and avoid distractions, keeping their head in the game.
Develop resilience to bounce back from mistakes and setbacks.
Learn how to set and achieve meaningful goals.
These skills not only enhance athletic performance but also foster personal growth, preparing young athletes for challenges in sports and life. Working with a mental performance coach is an investment in your athlete’s long-term success and well-being.
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Your athlete might benefit from working with a mental performance coach if they:
Struggle with confidence and self-doubt during practices or games.
Get overwhelmed or stressed in high-pressure situations, such as big games or tryouts.
Have difficulty staying focused or are easily distracted during competition.
Feel frustrated or discouraged after mistakes and have trouble bouncing back.
Want to improve their mental approach to set and achieve goals.
Show signs of anxiety about performance or worry excessively about letting others down.
Want to take their game to the next level and gain a competitive edge.
If you notice your athlete could use support in any of these areas, a mental performance coach can help them build the tools and mindset to grow as a player and as a person.
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Athletes who work with a mental performance coach often experience:
Increased Confidence: They trust their abilities and approach challenges with self-assurance.
Improved Focus: They stay present and perform consistently, even in high-pressure situations.
Better Stress Management: They handle competition anxiety and pressure with calmness and clarity.
Resilience to Setbacks: They bounce back quickly from mistakes and maintain a positive mindset.
Enhanced Performance: By sharpening their mental game, they can elevate their physical performance.
Clear Goal Setting: They learn to set and achieve realistic, motivating goals that drive progress.
Stronger Leadership Skills: They grow as leaders in and out of their sport, building stronger relationships with teammates and coaches.
While every athlete’s journey is unique, the ultimate goal is to empower them with the tools to succeed—not just in their sport, but in all areas of life. Parents can expect to see their athlete grow in confidence, emotional maturity, and overall enjoyment of their sport.
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The timeline for seeing results can vary depending on the athlete's goals, challenges, and level of commitment to the process. Some athletes may notice improvements in confidence, focus, and mindset after just a few sessions, while others may require more time to fully integrate new strategies and habits.
Mental performance coaching is not a quick fix—it’s a process of building lasting skills and resilience. Parents and athletes can expect steady progress with consistent effort and practice, with noticeable changes typically occurring within a few weeks to a couple of months.
The more engaged and open an athlete is during the coaching process, the sooner they’ll start to see positive changes in their performance and overall approach to the game.
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Mental performance coaching is beneficial for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Whether your athlete is just starting out or competing at an elite level, the mental side of the game plays a critical role in their success and enjoyment of sports.
For younger athletes, coaching focuses on foundational skills like confidence, focus, and managing emotions during competition. These early lessons not only improve performance but also set them up for long-term success.
For more experienced athletes, coaching dives deeper into handling high-pressure situations, overcoming mental blocks, and sharpening the competitive edge needed to perform at their best.
Mental skills are essential at every stage of an athlete’s journey. If your athlete is motivated to grow and improve, they are ready to benefit from mental performance coaching.
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Each mental performance coaching session is a 30 minute session tailored to your athlete’s unique needs and goals. A typical session may include discussions about challenges they’re facing, learning new mental skills, practicing techniques like visualization or goal setting, and creating an action plan to apply these strategies in their sport.
We offer a FREE 20-minute initial session to get to know your athlete and discuss their goals. This session allows us to create a customized plan for future sessions, should you choose to continue. There’s no obligation to commit. While we offer discounts for our 8- and 12-week packages, you also have the flexibility to schedule sessions one at a time, allowing your athlete to progress at your own pace.
Sessions are designed to be engaging, practical, and focused on real-life situations athletes encounter in competition, practice, and life.
Sessions can be done from anywhere! We offer both in-person coaching (when location allows) for those local to the Omaha, Nebraska area, and virtual sessions via video calls, making it convenient for athletes and parents regardless of where they are. Whether at home or on the go, your athlete can access the support they need to elevate their mental game.
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Absolutely! Starting in Spring 2025, we’ll be offering monthly large-group sessions for just $10 per session. These 30-minute “drop-in” sessions are open to all youth athletes and their parents. Each session will focus on key mental performance topics such as building confidence, setting realistic goals, and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
In addition, we’ll host parent-only sessions designed to help you foster a confident athlete and provide the right support when your child is facing challenges in their sport. These classes will give parents practical tools to encourage resilience and positivity in their young athletes.
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