Performance
Our story
Founded by former Division I athlete Nowoola Awopetu during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pressing Forward was born from a pivotal moment in my athletic journey. Like many student-athletes, I faced the possibility that the sport I had dedicated my life to might never return. The pandemic tested us mentally and physically, but it also offered an unexpected gift—time to reflect on who I was, who I wanted to become, and the impact I hoped to make beyond the game.
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Having faced my own mental challenges as an athlete, I understood the importance of having a safe outlet, feeling truly heard and supported, and knowing when—and how—to seek help. These experiences became the driving force behind creating Pressing Forward, a space where athletes can build resilience, find their voice, and thrive both in sport and in life.
Our Mission
At Pressing Forward Performance, we are committed to helping athletes, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential—both in sports and in life. Our mission goes beyond performance; we aim to provide a safe outlet and meaningful resources for the socio-emotional development of student-athletes. We understand the unique mental stressors that accompany an already demanding athletic life, and we address them through a range of impactful programs and services.
We teach athletes how to build confidence, maximize their personal platforms, and translate their athletic skill sets into life and career success. Our mission centers on helping athletes understand the power of their identity, story, and voice as they navigate sport, academics, and the transition into life after athletics.
Passionate about leadership development, mental performance, and athlete advocacy, we continue to serve campuses, teams, and organizations by equipping the next generation of athletes to thrive on and off the field.