Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Testimonials

" At Ohio State, our football team is committed to growing in three areas: physical, spiritual, and mental. Dr. Maniar has helped our players grow in the mental area. Through visualization, relaxation, and concentration training, our athletes were able to develop the mental aspect of football and achieve optimal performance [during our National Championship season]. There were a number of our players that truly relied on Sam as the game approached!

Sam Maniar is a dedicated, caring and knowledgeable professional. I highly recommend Sam for athletes and teams at any level that are looking to gain a mental advantage. "

Jim Tressel
Head Football Coach, The Ohio State University
" Dr. Sam’s unique perspectives and ability to weave sports anecdotes with inspiring business lessons set the stage for an engaging and fun session at our annual agent training conference. Covering topics ranging from customer service to managing stress, Dr. Sam was able to bridge the gap between sports and business in such an effective manner that our agents were clamoring to have him return again. Forget that motivational speaker that folks will forget about within a day or two…go with Dr. Sam! "

Boris E. Slogar, PE, MPM
Deputy Tax Commissioner, Ohio Department of Taxation
" Dr. Sam Maniar has enhanced the OSU Women’s Soccer team on a multitude of levels including team cohesion, communication, and individual development. The results have been outstanding.

Individuals that seek his assistance will grow and develop from a comfortable and confidential environment. This nurturing environment helps to identify and address deficiencies that block or inhibit consistent or even great performance. Common themes with our athletes include: self-confidence, self-esteem, personal accountability, independence, and control. Dr. Maniar is honest in assessment, organized in developing and implementing a plan of action, insistent on empowering each athlete, and consistent in measuring and reinforcing results over time.

Dr. Sam Maniar is passionate in his work and dedicated to helping every athlete reach her individual greatness. If there were more hours in the day, I would require every player to meet with him on a weekly basis. "

Lori Walker
Head Women's Soccer Coach, The Ohio State University
" Sam helped our girls understand positive self-talk and worked with the team and individuals on self-esteem... It is seldom that high school girls competing for grades, athletic positions, and social recognition can genuinely affirm one another. Sam worked with helping our daughters understand concentration and peak performance using grids and charting performance playback. He helped our athletes understand and use relaxation techniques as well as focusing and refocusing routines. He helped our team and coach develop and understand the importance of pregame routines, body posture, pumping up/calming down and communication.

Sam was an important part of our team: our athletic team, our coaching staff, and our team of supporters and parents. We would eagerly work with Sam Maniar again and strongly recommend him to work with other athletes, coaches and parents. "

Kimberly Nixon-Bell
Past President, Thomas Worthington Field Hockey Parent Group
" Dr. Sam Maniar is the model for who a sport psychologist should be: nurturing, professional, creative, direct, and always focused on both the welfare of the athlete and on increased success in whatever sport the athlete participates.

Some sport psychologists have a unique ability to help athletes feel better about themselves (confidence, esteem, self-awareness). Other sport psychologists have a unique ability to help athletes with focus and a keen sense of their purpose on the field. Dr. Sam Maniar is the rare specialist who has it all. I have personally witnessed the impact his work has on performance, both individually and team-wide.

Whether to meet your individual goals or for team-building activities to meet season-long goals, Dr. Sam Maniar has my highest recommendation! Success seems to somehow follow his players and teams. "Dr. Sam" is the common denominator. "

Jonathan Lipsitz
Head Women's Soccer Coach, UNC-Charlotte
Former Director of Coaching & Player Education, Ohio Premier Soccer Club
" Sam was a huge part of our success during the 2002 field hockey season. The previous year TWFH was 5-10-3, but with Sam's motivation and support in 2002, we were District Champions, ended the season 12-6-2, and made it to the Final Four of the Ohio State Tournament (the first time since 1989). Sam helped our team find "the winning edge" and continued to hold high expectations for each and everyone of us. Lastly, I was most impressed by Sam's committment and dedication to the team. I can honestly say that without Sam, we would not have been as successful as we were. I would highly recommend Dr. Sam Maniar to any team looking to fulfill their optimal potential. "

Terri Simonetti
Head Coach, Thomas Worthington HS Field Hockey
" Sam played an integral part to our success [during the 2001-2002 season]. He did a great job with the mental aspects of golf (goal setting, imagery, etc.) and especially team cohesion. I can't thank him enough. His knowledge of the sport, as well as his understanding of people is second to none. As a coach and an avid amateur golfer I have seen noticeable improvements after starting working with him. Sam has separated himself from the pack because he cares about his athletes and enjoys seeing them succeed. "

Heather R. Holte
Assistant Women's Golf Coach, University of Oregon
Former Assistant Men's and Women's Golf Coach, Washington State University
" Thanks in part to the work Sam Maniar did with the OSU Varsity Rifle Team, they finished 9th in Smallbore Rifle and 12th in Air Rifle for a combined finish of 10th place in NCAA standing for 2003. That is a very exultant standing for a non-scholarship team in any NCAA sport. A common saying in shooting sports is that it's 90% mental. Therefore, a good sport psychologist is necessary to reach a high level in shooting competitions. Sam helped the team overcome many mental hurdles and perform at a higher level. "

Patrick D. Cherry
Head Rifle Coach, The Ohio State University
" The most important qualities for anyone who is dealing with athletes are caring about the athlete as a person, consistency and ability to communicate. Sam Maniar has these qualities combined with professional talent and expertise and an understanding of athletes. He has contributed to the growth, development and success of many athletes and can be a factor in any athlete's success. "

John Lombardo, MD
Director, MAX Sports Medicine Center


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