Developing the Whole Player: AFC Ann Arbor Partners with Mindtree Psychotherapy

Every summer, AFC Ann Arbor brings together players from across the United States and around the world. They arrive from different cultures, different playing backgrounds, and different life experiences, then have just a few short weeks to become teammates, build trust, and compete at a high level.

Developing that kind of team takes more than technical training and physical preparation.

It also means helping players learn to manage pressure, recover from adversity, communicate effectively, and support one another—skills that extend far beyond the soccer field.

That's why AFC Ann Arbor partnered with Mindtree Psychotherapy this summer to host a mental performance and wellbeing workshop for our players.

The session was led by Victor Panza, owner and therapist at Mindtree Psychotherapy. Drawing on his background in group psychotherapy, Panza combined practical mental performance techniques with discussions designed to strengthen team connection and create an environment where players could learn from one another.

"Pressure is dictated by meaning." — Victor Panza

Rather than encouraging players to eliminate pressure, Panza challenged them to think about it differently. Pressure often reflects how much a moment matters. The goal is not to avoid it, but to develop the tools to perform alongside it.

Throughout the workshop, players explored practical strategies they can use both during matches and in everyday life.

One exercise focused on identifying the difference between what can be controlled and what cannot. Players discussed how effort, preparation, attitude, communication, recovery, and body language all remain within their control, while referees, weather, coaching decisions, and opponents do not. Learning to recognize that distinction helps athletes redirect their attention toward actions that improve performance rather than frustrations that cannot be changed. 

The group also practiced simple breathing techniques and reset routines to help calm the nervous system after mistakes. Rather than dwelling on a missed pass or missed opportunity, players were encouraged to notice what they were experiencing, take a breath, and refocus on the next play. The accompanying player workbook reinforced these ideas with exercises on pressure, self-talk, reset routines, and identifying what matters most beyond soccer. 

As the afternoon continued, the conversation naturally shifted beyond soccer.

Players spoke about their families, education, future careers, and the communities they hope to impact after their playing days. Several described soccer not simply as a destination, but as a vehicle for creating opportunities and serving others.

Panza reminded the group that athletic performance is only one part of a person's identity.

Success on the field is important, but so are the relationships, values, and sense of purpose that players carry with them throughout life.

The workshop concluded with an exercise that many players described as one of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon.

Teammates were invited to recognize one another for qualities that often go unnoticed: resilience through injury, quiet leadership, generosity, positivity, and the willingness to put the team first. Players thanked one another for helping newcomers settle into Ann Arbor, providing rides, offering encouragement, and creating an environment that felt more like a family than a temporary summer team.

One returning player reflected on what that culture means to the club.

Having attended AFC Ann Arbor matches as a child before eventually wearing the club's crest, he spoke about wanting today's players to be role models for the young fans in the stands—because one day, those same children may represent the club themselves.

That idea captures what AFC Ann Arbor strives to be.

Winning matches will always matter. But so does helping players leave Ann Arbor as stronger teammates, more resilient leaders, and better people than when they arrived.

We're grateful to Victor Panza and Mindtree Psychotherapy for sharing their expertise with our players and for partnering with AFC Ann Arbor to support the mental wellbeing of the whole athlete.

About Mindtree Psychotherapy

Mindtree Psychotherapy is an Ann Arbor-based counseling practice serving individuals, couples, families, and organizations throughout southeast Michigan. Their team provides support for mental health, relationships, parenting, child and adolescent wellbeing, academic stress, and personal growth. AFC Ann Arbor is proud to partner with Mindtree as part of our commitment to developing the whole player.

Learn more about Mindtree Psychotherapy at: mindtreepsychotherapy.com