Abstract
This study is the first to investigate the role of mental toughness (MT) in predicting strength and conditioning (S&C) performance outcomes and the impact of pressure training (PT) on MT development among NCAA athletes. A women's Division I field hockey team (n = 15) participated in five 1- hour sessions focused on psychological skills training to enhance MT, followed by two S&C sessions under PT conditions. Using the Mental Toughness Index, MT was assessed after the workshops/before PT and following PT. Regression analysis revealed that pre-PT MT scores predicted S&C performance outcomes during PT sessions (F(1, 16) = 4.67, p = .0499, 95% CI [0.154, 0.803]), with a positive correlation between MT scores and performance (R2 = 0.26, β = 0.07, 95% CI [0.00, 0.15]). A paired samples t-test revealed a significant increase in MT scores post-PT (t(12) = -3.34, p = .006, d = 0.93, 95% CI [-3.31, -0.69]), suggesting PT effectively enhances MT. PT sessions incorporated relevant-to-the-team demands and consequences, incidentally leading to increased athlete engagement and performance intensity. Overall, the findings demonstrate the relevance of PT as an innovative and practical tool for S&C coaches, offering initial evidence of its capability to enhance athlete development and optimize performance under high-stake conditions with strong ecological validity due to its application in real-world training environments. Future research should explore the longitudinal application of PT across larger samples, diverse sports, and its long-term effects on performance outcomes.