Coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak: you’re not being overlooked—you’re being prepared.

I had the privilege of learning insight from my former college coach, Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, for 4.5 years — and I knew when I started this blog, that her knowledge and story needed to be shared.

A 3x NCAA National Champion with UNC Tar Heels under Anson Dorrance, 4x All-ACC player, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, 4x Coach Of The Year, 4x Conference Champion Coach, and the list goes on.

I think it’s safe to say she has some good perceptive….

Alright, here’s what she’s got to say;

1. How did you handle pressure and self-doubt early in your career?

Getting cut from the national team was heartbreaking. I had worked for years to get there, and in what felt like a single moment, it was all gone. I was crushed. I didn’t have the mental tools or maturity I’ve developed over time — but I did have grit. I still believed, deep down, that my story wasn’t over. I was young, and honestly, I could’ve made excuses. But I remember a conversation with my pro coach that changed everything. She didn’t let me off the hook — she told me plainly that I had to take responsibility for where I was, stop blaming anything or anyone else, and get to work. That was a hard truth, but one I needed to hear. So I got back to basics. I focused on what I could control: showing up early, training hard, getting sharper. I made sure to surround myself with people who saw something in me, even when I was struggling to see it in myself. That climb back onto the national team wasn’t quick or easy — but it taught me that setbacks are part of the journey. And sometimes the most important thing you can do is take ownership, stay in the fight, and let the people who believe in you help carry you forward.

2. What was your biggest mental obstacle as a young player, and how did you overcome it?

As a young player, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I doubted whether I truly belonged at that level, surrounded by world-class players. I lacked confidence and played with a lot of fear — especially fear of making mistakes. That fear sometimes affected my composure, and I carried this weight that any error would confirm I didn’t belong. But I didn’t let that fear stop me from working. I threw myself into the things I could control: I trained relentlessly, came into camp in top fitness, and defended with intensity and consistency. I wanted to earn trust and respect through my effort and competitiveness, even when I was still building belief in myself. Over time, that commitment helped me chip away at the self-doubt. I started to realize that I didn’t have to be perfect to contribute. I could still be growing and still belong. That shift allowed me to play with more freedom, to focus on competing instead of proving, and to trust that I brought value just by being fully engaged and all-in.

3. Looking back at your college and national team days, what were 2–3 habits that helped you maintain a high level — and what would you say to young players who struggle with consistency?

Three habits made a massive difference for me:

1. Showing up early. That extra time before training gave me space to prepare mentally and physically.

2. Staying disciplined, especially with fitness. I made sure I came into preseason and camp in top shape. That set the tone for everything. It showed my teammates and coaches that I had put in the work when no one was watching, and it helped me feel confident walking into those competitive environments.

3. Being coachable. I stayed curious, asked questions, and was willing to hear hard feedback without taking it personally.

To young players struggling with consistency: discipline isn’t about being perfect every day — it’s about committing to the process and showing up even when it’s hard. Consistency isn’t flashy, but it’s what separates good from great.

4.What’s a common mistake you see young players make when it comes to off-the-field discipline?

They underestimate how much their habits off the field impact their performance. Things like hydration, sleep, mental focus, and emotional regulation — they all show up in your game. I see young players with elite potential who get stuck because they don’t realize that “discipline” isn’t just about how you train — it’s how you live.

5. What do you say to players who are doing everything right — training hard, eating well, showing up — but still aren’t seeing results?

I tell them: the in-between is where the transformation happens. Growth doesn’t always give you immediate feedback. Trust the process, and let your consistency build momentum. You’re not being overlooked — you’re being prepared. Staying committed in the waiting is a mindset shift. I encourage them to look the big picture, remember their purpose, and keep showing up. Discipline without external validation is the foundation of long-term success.

6. How do you approach setting goals — short term and long term?

I work backward from the big picture. What’s the vision? Then I break it into milestones that feel measurable and motivating. I also build in reflection — goals aren’t static. I continue to reassess, pivot, and adapt based on what life and leadership demand. And I stay anchored in purpose: my goals aren’t just about achievement — they’re about impact.

7. What’s one non-negotiable habit in your life today that supports your health and mindset? How do you personally stay grounded and balanced as a coach and leader?

I move my body every day. Whether it’s training with our team, walking, or yoga— physical movement helps me process stress and stay present. To stay grounded, I come back to my family. Coaching is consuming, and the stakes feel high — but being with my daughters, supporting them in their own journeys, helps me keep perspective. They remind me who I am outside of wins and losses.

8. Can you leave us with a book, podcast, or practice that has influenced your approach to performance or mindset?

I really enjoy the Finding Mastery podcast by Michael Gervais. Listening to people across different fields talk about how they’ve developed mastery — in sport, business, the arts — is something I find both fascinating and inspiring. I’ve taken a lot from those conversations and used them to help shape how I coach and lead.

For a book, I’m currently reading The Twin Thieves — Mia Hamm actually mentioned it to me in a conversation we had recently, and I bought it right away. It’s about the fear of failure and the fear of judgment, and how those two “thieves” can hold us back from reaching our potential. It’s already sparked some great reflection for me as a coach.

There you have it! Such incredible insight, we are extremely lucky to be able to learn from her.

Tiffs story is a reminder that growth isn’t always clean and easy — but it’s always worth it. Take all this wisdom and use it to your advantage. We hope it leaves you as inspired as it did us.

Tyler & Talia