how it works

The Coaches Collective brings together sport coaches from diverse disciplines into an expert-facilitated, psychologically informed space.

We dive into what truly influences both the craft of coaching and the athlete experience—covering emotional intelligence, mental performance, nutrition barriers, body image, shame resilience, trauma-informed coaching, business strategy, and more. It’s equal parts leadership development, peer support, and real-world training.

two ways to join

three-day intensive (virtual)

Three days. Live. All in. You’ll dive into every topic with direct access to expert facilitation, dynamic group discussion, and real-time coaching. It’s fast-paced, interactive, and built for coaches who want to level up now.

8-week self-paced program

Same game-changing content, your schedule. Work through modules when it fits, revisit lessons as often as you like, and put strategies into play at your own pace. You’ll still get access to resources, tools, and an engaged community along the way.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll leave with the tools, insight, and confidence to coach at your highest level—starting now.

after certification: the Collective

Earning your certification isn’t the end—it’s your entry ticket.

Every Tuesday, certified coaches meet virtually for live, expert-facilitated conversations. We swap ideas, solve problems, and
push each other to keep growing.

It’s more than professional development.
It’s your ongoing community, your continuing education, and your place to stay sharp—together.

Become a Certified Coaches Collective Coach

Complete the 8-week Coaches Collective curriculum—covering every lesson, assignment, and a final exam—and you’ll earn your C4 Certification (Certified Coaches Collective Coach).

This credential signals that you’re a psychologically informed and highly competent coach—an asset to any athlete, as well as organizations, institutions, and universities that value mental health skills alongside performance.

You’ll receive a digital certification badge to display proudly, and you’ll have the option to be featured on my website with your preferred contact information for athlete referrals.

And once you’re certified, the learning and connection don’t stop—you’ll step into the ongoing Coaches Collective community, where we meet every Tuesday to keep sharpening skills, sharing ideas, and supporting one another.

THE COACHES COLLECTIVE COACH…

  • nurtures the coach | athlete alliance for enhanced success and positive outcomes.

  • masters the art of coaching from a values-driven perspective.

  • builds trust effectively, recognizing its pivotal role in athlete development.

  • recognizes shame, understands its impact on performance and mental health, and fosters resilience and self-compassion in athletes.

  • utilizes motivational interviewing to assist athletes in navigating ambivalence, facilitating positive change, and advancing towards their goals.

  • supports athletes through injury and recovery with a focus on psychological well-being, promoting confidence in return to sport.

  • identifies signs of grief, depression, eating disorders, and anxiety in athletes, while fostering a healthy relationship with their sport through open communication and vulnerability.

THE COACHES COLLECTIVE PROGRAM GETS RESULTS:

  • More COACHING TOOLS.

    Not sure how to help build shame resilience? Confused by how to transform anxiety into a superpower? Uncertain about how to address negative thought patterns? Need more skills to help increase motivation? The Coaches Collective program provides you with concrete, useful, and applicable tools to increase your skillset in supporting psychological growth.

    I WANT MORE TOOLS!

  • More CONFIDENCE.

    Being a coach isn’t always fun and games. All coaches experience moments of doubt and insecurity. This is part of the process but it doesn’t have to be the position from which you operate. The Coaches Collective helps you embrace your unique coaching style, cultivate your strengths, and know your blindspots. A confident coach becomes a contagion for a confident athlete.

    I WANT MORE CONFIDENCE!

  • More COMMUNITY.

    The coaching space can sometimes be a lonely one. Even if you’re at a big University there may be times when you feel like you’re going at this as a solo practitioner. The Coaches Collective provides an opportunity for you to connect with other coaches from all over the world. It’s an opportunity to learn from various disciplines and alternative coaching styles.

    I WANT MORE COMMUNITY!

YOUR TIME IS NOW

01. Discover the Skills You Need for Success

If we have learned anything over the last few decades from the research on sport performance it is that the physical health of an athlete is inextricably linked to their mental health. Coaches can no longer get away with ‘i didn’t know’ or ‘it’s not my job.’ It is critical that each coach come to their sport equipped with tools to support the whole person, not just the competitor.

02. Build a Toolbox of Unbreakable Resources

The best coaches in the world have an extensive toolbox they rely on to help their athletes overcome barriers, level up their performance, and achieve their goals. This program provides you with proven resources to help you build a toolbox of your own so that you always feel you have a go-to strategy.

03. Tap into a Powerful Community of Coaches

The coaching arena can be competitive and cutthroat, where coaches feel protective of their craft and possessive of their knowledge. In The Coaches Collective, coaches are here to share and connect so athletes can benefit and we can all elevate each other, the work, and sports as a whole.

“I've been a part of this first collective and have learned so much... from mental health to business strategies to setting boundaries to perfectionism. Not sure where I would be in life without Dr. L's wisdom, badassery, and humor or without The Coaches Collective."

Megan Roche, MD, PhD
Head Coach at SWAP | Podcast Host

praise for the coaches collective…

  • “If you are a coach of any kind in the health space (athletic, nutrition, trainer, etc.) - this group is for you. Dr. Lara Pence is a badass.”

    Caroline Burckle | Olympian | Performance Coach

  • “I've been a part of this first collective and have learned so much... from mental health to business strategies to setting boundaries to perfectionism. Not sure where I would be in life without Dr. L's wisdom, badassery, and humor or without The Coaches Collective."

    Megan Roche | MD, PhD | Coach & Podcast Host | Swap

  • "It has been such an empowering experience to learn from other high-level coaches. If you’re a coach of any sport - this program has been life-changing for me and my athletes."

    Jessica Schnier | Coach | Smiles & Miles

  • "I've been a part of the Coaches Collective for months now and it is life changing. It has absolutely elevated my coaching game. Dr. L is incredible at what she does."

    Kylee Van Horn | RD Dietitian | Coach

  • "The Coaches Collective provides a unique opportunity for mentors of all types to learn to bravely enter tricky conversations, question our own biases, and wrestle with hard topics!

    Mason Coppi | Coach | 2023 Xterra Marathon Mt. World Champion

  • “Being a part of The Coaches Collective with Dr. L has been game-changing and life-changing for both myself and my athletes. The skills honed are critical for coaches who want to be successful in their field.”

    Lindsey Herman | Coach | Pro Trail Runner

  • "If you're a coach who wants to learn more and help your athletes in a better and more empowering way, RUN don’t walk! This is it."

    Kristen Schindler | Coach | Microcosm Coaching

  • “The Coaches Collective has given me a wider range of knowledge on variety of topics so I’m better equipped to answer those myself, along with a community with expertise in a wide range of topics I can consult with.” 

    Rea Kolbl | Skimo Champion | Coach

  • "Dr. Pence brings the most unique, 360 degree view to being a coach in a way that turbo charges your ability to have an impact on the athletes you coach. Coupled with a guaranteed cohort of like minded bosses, the program is thoroughly enriching and life affirming." 

    Bernard van der Kuil | Irish Dance Coach

  • "This collective will help you feel more comfortable supporting your athletes through their entire transformation journey and become the best athletes they can be not just in their sport but in their life while also being able to set boundaries for yourself that help you be the best coach you can be."

    Nicholas Klastava | Running Coach

  • "The Coaches Collective has launched me years ahead of where I would have found myself as a new coach in both skill and confidence. If you’re looking to get started or level up your coaching to better support your athletes in a truly holistic way, this is the place to be!"

    Abby McIntyre | Running Coach | Peak Stride Coachng

  • "The intensive was not only an exploration of the psychology of coaching for the athlete, but a means through which I could examine myself as a coach and therefore grow. I appreciate the honest conversations, the material presentation, and the supplemental materials that really helped to learn these concepts in depth."

    Mireille Siné | Running Coach

  • "The collective not only allowed me to learn and connect with other coaches but it also taught me to look inward, reevaluate why I do things, and reflect on way more than coaching theory. In my opinion, continued learning is something that every coach should do, and whether you're new to coaching or well established, there is plenty to learn from Lara."

    Katrina Abram | Running Coach | PACIFIC PINE RUNNING CO

  • "I applied for The Coaches Collective on a whim. It seemed like an interesting way to learn. it was SOO much more! Dr. Lara knows her sh*t! She brings an incredible perspective. Her knowledge and expertise is unmatched! Highly recommend applying if you are a sport coach of any kind."

    Cristina Piergentili | Sports Nutrition & Run Coach

  • "I have been beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to attend The Coaches Collective. Dr. Pence's passion and articulation of the material had me digging deep into my own work as a coach and mental performance coach, and has me raising my own bar in the services I deliver. I cannot recommend this program enough."

    Neal Pallas | LCSW | Ultrarunning Coach at CTS

  • "Being part of the Coaches Collective has unlocked bravery, confidence, resilience and awareness within myself. The skills and tools I have gained are next level and when reflected onto my athletes - makes me feel beyond inspired. It was amazing to be surrounded by other like minded individuals who aid in the learning and growth process! It is something so special."

    Veronica Louw | Dance Coach

  • "This collective has been invaluable and I have already felt like I've leveled up my coaching. The confidence I have gained has been just incredible. Dr. Pence has truly put together such a fantastic and most needed program."

    Rebecca Lockhart | Strength & Running Coach