Garrett Sharp
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Mental Performance Consultant and Combat Sports Coach with a Master’s degree in Sport & Performance Psychology and CMPC candidacy. Former professional mixed martial arts competitor offering a unique athlete-coach perspective. Over four years of coaching and two years of delivering structured mental performance training to athletes at all levels. Skilled in teaching evidence-based sport psychology techniques to enhance focus, emotional regulation, and performance under pressure.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Mental Performance Consultant
Sharp Focus & Performance
04.2025 - Current
- Provide applied mental performance coaching for athletes ranging from high school competitors to professionals
- Design individualized mental skills programs targeting confidence, attentional control, and emotional regulation under pressure
- Lead mental performance workshops and small-group development sessions for athletes and teams
- Prepare athletes for competition using mental rehearsal, pre-performance routines, and task-relevant attentional cues
Coach & Mental Performance Instructor
Knoxville Martial Arts Academy
09.2021 - Current
- Lead MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training sessions for both general students and competitive athletes, supporting skill development and competition preparation
- Integrate mental performance principles into daily training environments to develop composure, focus, and adaptability under pressure
- Lead structured mental performance classes teaching athletes evidence-based psychological skills to enhance performance and well-being
- Contribute to athlete development through coaching, performance feedback, and competition preparation
Education
M.S. - Sport & Performance Psychology
Lock Haven University
05-2024
B.S. - Kinesiology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
08-2020
Skills
- Athlete Development & Leadership
- Performance Assessments
- Pre-Performance Routine Development
- Mental Rehearsal & Imagery
- Attention Control & Focus Training
- Goal Setting
- Stress Management & Recovery Strategies
- Relaxation & Activation Techniques
- Emotional Regulation Strategies
- Confidence & Self-Efficacy Development
Timeline
Founder & Mental Performance Consultant
Sharp Focus & Performance
04.2025 - Current
Coach & Mental Performance Instructor
Knoxville Martial Arts Academy
09.2021 - Current
M.S. - Sport & Performance Psychology
Lock Haven University
B.S. - Kinesiology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville