about
A little tidbit...
This show is a spin-off from sports radio show, A Coach's Perspective. Dr. Jeni Hopkins was a coach for 24 years and loved every minute of it. Yes, of course, there were a lot of highs and lows in coaching, but the rewards and the privilege of working with such outstanding student-athletes, assistant coaches, managers, athletic directors, athletic trainers, officials, table workers, and many more is what she valued the most. The intangibles and intricacies of sports deserve to be explored, and a voice needs to be given to coaches, players, officials, and others who play such vital roles in the arena of sports. A Coach’s Perspective is about giving that voice. Mental Momentum is about taking a deeper dive into the mental side of that voice.
Dr. Hopkins is also currently the media coordinator of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and has a lot of pride in the promotional mission and advocacy of that organization for coaches. She has been on their executive board for over 20 years. Check out their website at www.mobca.org. She is also a proud part of the National High School Basketball Coaches Association.
A proud member, and past-president, of the board of directors of the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame, Hopkins is honored to be a part of this non-profit organization that recognizes excellence in sports and in turn raises funds for youth sports. Their website is www.springfieldhof.com
Another adventure Dr. Hopkins pursues is that of a play by play and color analyst for several entities and events. She loves broadcasting basketball and has also enjoyed bringing volleyball and track and field to the air waves, too.
She is the founder and director of a basketball luncheon every two weeks, Court Talk, during basketball season. This luncheon promotes basketball in Springfield and includes all of the city high school and college coaches, plus some area schools and College of the Ozarks. For more information, click here. '
Dr. Hopkins is also the founder and director of CHAMPS (Champion Humans and Mentoring Partnerships for Success), a mentoring program for high school seniors. For more information, click here.
Dr. Hopkins is currently the assistant director at Greenwood Laboratory School, her alma mater. She loves those Bluejays!
She is also a sports counselor and has been for multiple years. She loves assisting athletes with the mental side of their game! She presents at coaching clinics, conferences, and mental health workshops on mental coaching. She has a master's degree in counseling and a PhD in performance psychology.. To schedule a speaking engagement, visit HERE
Hopkins is a published author, penning two biographies and one children's book.
Her favorite role is with her family. Her husband of over three decades is Scott Hopkins, a farmer who is very involved with children's charities, particularly the Shriners. Her daughter, Hailey Jo, is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, and her son, Hayden, is a graduate of Missouri State University.
IT ALL STARTED WHEN…
Dr. Hopkins has always been fascinated by the mental side of sports. It is the differentiating factor between good and great, and great and the best. It is what separates participants from competitors and competitors from champions.
As a former two-sport college athlete, coach, current sports broadcaster, and mental performance coach, she has witnessed repeatedly the power of the mental game. This show explores that critical element—the mindset that drives athletic excellence.
Mental Momentum is a sports psychology radio program designed to address the often-overlooked mental and emotional challenges that athletes, coaches, and sports families face at every level of competition. Hosted by Dr. Jeni Hopkins, an experienced mental coach and sports counselor with a PhD in Performance Psychology, this show will provide a much-needed platform for exploring the psychological aspects of athletic performance and sports participation.
The program will offer practical coping strategies, expert insights, and community-driven discussions on topics including performance anxiety, perfectionism, fear of failure, and other mental roadblocks that impact athletic success and personal well-being.
PURPOSE
In today's competitive sports landscape, physical training alone is no longer sufficient for optimal performance. Mental Momentum recognizes that the psychological component of athletics is equally crucial to success, yet it remains underserved in sports media programming. This show fills that gap by creating an accessible, welcoming space where listeners can explore mental performance topics without stigma or judgment.
The program will serve as an educational resource and support system for the entire sports community. Athletes struggling with performance anxiety will find validation and practical tools. Coaches will gain insights into supporting their teams' mental health. Parents will learn how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of youth sports. Whether listeners are dealing with comeback challenges after injury, managing pressure in high-stakes competitions, or simply seeking to enhance their mental game, Mental Momentum will provide evidence-based guidance delivered in an engaging, conversational format.
MORE ABOUT THE HOST
Dr. Jeni Hopkins brings a unique combination of academic expertise and real-world experience to Mental Momentum. With a 24-year coaching background, master’s in counseling, over 30 years in sports counseling, and a doctorate in performance psychology, she understands both the practical and theoretical dimensions of sports psychology. Her extensive work as a mental coach for teams and individuals, clinic presenter, conference speaker, and sports counselor has given her firsthand insight into the challenges athletes face across all levels of competition.
Dr. Hopkins currently serves as a school administrator demonstrating her commitment to education and youth development. Her existing radio presence as host of A Coach's Perspective has established her credibility and rapport with sports audiences. Additionally, her role as Media Coordinator for the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and her service on the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame board reflect her deep integration in the regional sports community. This combination of credentials, experience, and community connections positions Dr. Hopkins as the ideal voice to lead conversations about sports psychology.
