LOUISVILLE, Ky. – One of the most popular features of the annual NFCA Convention program is the diverse array of speakers that cover topics from both inside and outside the world of softball. In week two of our convention countdown, we highlight two of our pre-convention seminar speakers – Dr. Fran Pirozzolo and Aaron Weintraub.

Dr. Pirozzolo and Weintraub (Wed., Dec. 2 at 12:00 p.m.) lead things off with a pre-convention seminar called Mental Toughness, Leadership and Motor Learning at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, host of the 2015 NFCA Convention, from Dec. 2-5.

2015 NFCA CONVENTION WEBSITE | REGISTER HERE | SPEAKER LINEUP

Dr. Fran Pirozzolo

Dr. Fran Pirozzolo, a licensed consulting psychologist, has worked with many of the world’s top athletes, including Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees from 1996-2002, when they won four World Series titles, and is currently the mental skills coach for the Texas Rangers. In addition, Dr. Pirozzolo has held the similar position in uniform with the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers.

Along with Major League Baseball, Dr. Pirozzolo has spent time in the National Football League, worked with Heavyweight Champion of the World Evander Holyfield and consulted numerous collegiate athletic departments.

While serving as the Houston Texans’ player development coach (2002-06), Dr. Pirozzolo garnered the Winston Shell Award for excellence in player development. He also spent several years as Holyfield’s training cosultant from 1990 – 1998.

Dr. Pirozzolo has published 14 books and over 250 scientific and popular articles. His golf books include “The Game I Love” with golf legend Sam Snead, “The Mental Game Pocket Companion”, “The Putter’s Pocket Companion” (Harper Collins). He collaborated with Jim McLean on the Golf Channel production of Sam Snead: “A Swing for A Lifetime”. His most recent book is entitled, “Multiple Intelligence and Leadership” (with scholars Ron Riggio and Susan Murphy at the Kravis Leadership Institute – Claremont-McKenna College).

Holding degrees from The University of Chicago and The University of Rochester, Dr. Pirozzolo’s academic career included professorships at UCLA, Minnesota and Houston (associate adjunct), along with a 15-year stint as Baylor College of Medicine’s Chief of Neuropsychology Service and as an associate professor of Neurology the University.

For more on Dr. Pirozzzolo’s click HERE 

Aaron Weintraub

Aaron Weintraub is a longtime coach and mental training expert whose clients have included sports teams at numerous colleges and high schools. He currently runs a successful consulting business and is the mental skills coach for the Texas Glory travel ball organization.

Weintraub, a monthly contributor to the NFCA’s Fastpitch Delivery, spent 13 seasons as a collegiate baseball coach at Emory University, Presbyterian College, Brevard College, University of Virginia and Cedar Valley College.

Over the past 10 years, Weintraub has been a full-time mental skills coach consultant and author. He has worked with individuals and teams in all sports, including softball, figure skating, golf and football. He has, on multiple occasions, taught mental skills to parents and athletes jointly with 19-time world champion sprinter Michael Johnson.

He has authored two books: A Coaches Guide to Winning the Mental Game and Leadership Training for Softball and has put together a mental skills training workbook for athletes and coaches, and organized three Mental Skills Training Full-Day workshops for professional coaches.

For more on Weintraub click HERE