Performance, science, data, and empathy.
Hi, I’m Jason Kostrna, Ph.D., CMPC, a performance consultant, professor, and mental skills coach specializing in helping people perform under pressure. I’ve worked with NCAA athletes, esports competitors, military personnel, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to improve focus, decision-making, and resilience in high-stakes environments.
As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) and tenured Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Florida International University, I bring over a decade of experience backed by science, data, and empathy.
My work bridges the gap between academic rigor and real-world application, helping clients thrive whether they're on the field, in the OR, or pitching the next big idea.
My mission is to help high performers produce at their peak through the application of science-backed methods that honor both the data and the human experience.
Broad expertise without a one-size-fits-all process.
Scientist-Practitioner Approach
I believe in the scientific process. I use validated techniques drawn from sport and performance psychology, psychophysiology, and cognitive science. I am also constantly evaluating and researching my effectiveness to improve and discover new insights.
Quant + Qual
With a master’s in Measurement & Statistics, federal and foundation funding experience, and published work using advanced statistical and qualitative techniques, I ask innovative and critical questions and follow through with the appropriate technique.
High-Stakes Experience
From Division I athletes to aspiring surgeons, I’ve helped performers at all levels build mental toughness, routines, and confidence. I’ve won federal grants, national and university awards, and published in top-tier journals.
Custom Tools, Not Cookie-Cutter Scripts
I create strategies tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and performance context. The right process and solution is more important than any process or solution.
Award-Winning Results
I have received awards in research, teaching, mentoring, and service excellence. I have worked with athletes who have won Olympic medals, national championships, and individual accolades. Research teams I’ve worked with have won federal research grants and competitive awards.
Training and leadership across performance, measurement, and research.
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Sport Psychology specialization), Florida State University
- M.S. in Measurement & Statistics, Florida State University
- Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation, Florida State University
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) #687, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- AASP CMPC® Mentor
- Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Florida International University
- North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA), 2022 Sport and Exercise Psychology Program Committee
- 2018-2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health & Performance Directory Member
- Chair, Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Exam Development Committee
- Former Kinesiology Graduate Program Leader, FIU
- $700K+ in funded research (NIH, NSF, AASP) and numerous top-tier journal publications
- K1 Ethics Course Instructor, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Numerous awards in Research, Teaching, Service, and Mentoring
Great work starts with great collaboration.
If you are reaching out to work with me, you, your team, or your business are already performing at a high level and are looking to take that next step toward greatness.
Whether I’m supporting through performance coaching, statistical consulting, or research strategy, I approach each client with an emphasis on learning from their expertise, accomplishments, and environment. You are the expert in your world—I’m here to offer my expertise in high performance and scientific evaluation to help you reach your peak performance.
My philosophy is grounded in the values of growth, presence, and authenticity. I take a strength-based approach, working alongside clients to challenge assumptions, ask insightful questions, and explore customized solutions. It’s not about using just any tool; it’s about finding the right tool for your goals, environment, and strengths.
The process I support encourages reflection, adaptation, and learning. I believe in doing good work, helping others along the way, and trusting that meaningful outcomes will follow. Whether we’re analyzing data, writing grants, or building mental routines to perform under pressure, the goal is the same: to optimize our process to maximize results.
Growth, presence, and authenticity outside of work, too.
Beyond the world of high-performance consulting, I’m driven by core values of growth, presence, and authenticity.
I love physical activity and pushing my limits, both mentally and physically. I’m a recreational triathlete who has completed an Ironman 140.6, and I’ve recently returned to more strength-based pursuits, recently joining the 1000-pound club. My athletic journey started early; I played club lacrosse in college as a goalie and competed in high school baseball, football, and lacrosse.
I’m also a dog lover who cherishes time with my two dogs and my wife. I love spending time outdoors including open water swimming, scuba diving, or multiday bikepacking adventures. I’m grateful that I have a career and professional opportunities that align so well with my personal values, allowing me to live my passions for growth, presence, and authenticity every day.