My Story
Growing up, I naturally developed an awareness of how my thoughts have a direct influence on my athletic performance. While practicing sport at home, I would create mantras and visualize my success. I was so focused on perfecting my skills, that I would not finish playing until I achieved a certain number of points or goals in the net.
When I was 18 years old, I started my coaching career as a soccer coach at the grassroots level. Since then I have immersed myself in education and training related to the psychology of health. I focused on health coaching to help people with physical disabilities find joy in active living while pursuing their wellness goals.
In 2022, I decided to return to the athletic field to focus on promoting sport across the lifespan. I received my designation as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist in 2023 and began working with clients that have a wide range of goals including endurance training and injury prevention.
Over the last 15 years, my coaching philosophy has transformed into a set of beliefs that focus on making active living accessible and personalized. As a Coach, I am continuously learning and practicing humility because I understand that the the mind and body works in complex ways and there is a multitude of factors that impact how we think, feel and behave.
The first step to change is believing that you can do it.
— Samantha Jeske, Coach
Quick Facts about Coach Samantha
Childhood
My first job when I was 14 years old involved mediating disputes and directing safe game play as a soccer referee for both youth and adults. I kept that up for 10 years!
I grew up playing soccer and competing in cross-country running events. When I was 11 years old, I almost won 1st place in a cross-country meet, only to be surpassed by someone within 100 meters of the finish line. I used to wonder, “if only I didn’t look over my shoulder and waste time!” I learned over the years that it’s best to stay focused and keep looking forward (literally and metaphorically).
Lifestyle
Wake up at sunrise, bedtime at sundown.
Morning coffee rituals with family.
Learning about urban design and environmental psychology (building communities that promote physically and socially accessible living).
Proud Work Moments
I specialized in Health Psychology (MSc. Kinesiology at University of Toronto). I tested the feasibility of delivering a fitness coaching program for people with spinal cord injury via Skype. Check out my publication here.
I worked with clinicians and software developers in the early stages of developing two mobile apps to help people cope with spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Check out the My Brain Pacer app here.
