Oct 25, 2024

Welcome to Momentum Labs! 

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves—not just by sharing who we are and what we do, but also by explaining why we are passionate about what we do. Our team is made up of performance psychology consultants with decades of experience working with high-level performers, ranging from youth athletes to collegiate and professional athletes. We provide athletes with the mental tools they need to sharpen their mindset and excel in all aspects of their performance.

We understand that entrusting us with such an important role requires knowing more about our values and motivation. Each of us brings not only professional expertise but also personal experience—we are former athletes, current high-level performers, parents, and more.

So, let’s begin by introducing the founding members of our team:

Meet the Founding Team

Dr. Alex Auerbach – Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Alex Auerbach is a performance psychologist with extensive experience in professional sports, including roles in the NBA and NFL. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Wellness and Development for the Toronto Raptors. He has also worked with NCAA Division I programs across the SEC, Pac-12, ACC, Big 12, and Conference USA.

He lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Kirstie, and their two daughters, Zosia and Wiley.

"Momentum Labs exists to help the youth sports community develop essential mental skills for health and high performance. My goal is to make these tools accessible to as many people as possible. That starts with teaching kids—and their parents and coaches—how to care for their mind, support their well-being, and unlock their full potential."

Dr. Brett Haskell – Chief Performance Officer

Dr. Brett Haskell is a counseling and sport psychologist with extensive experience across professional and collegiate sports, including roles with the MLB, NWSL, NFL, and university athletics. She is currently the Clinical Director of Mental Health and Performance for the National Women’s Soccer League and consults as a team psychologist for an MLB organization. Previously, she led the University of Nebraska’s sport psychology program for ten years.

Brett grew up in a sports-focused family, inspired by her father, a high school wrestling coach. She competed in Division II volleyball, helping her team reach the national championship game in her senior year.

She lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband, Brian, their children, Ezra and Parker, and several pets.

"At Momentum Labs, we help young athletes use sport to develop character, resilience, and life skills. By merging mental skills training with athletic experiences, we create a foundation for building courageous individuals who excel both on and off the field. Our goal is to shape the next generation of well-rounded, purpose-driven leaders."

Dr. Kacey Oiness – Chief Experience Officer

Dr. Kacey Oiness is a counseling and sport psychologist with experience working in the NHL, WNBA, and NCAA Division-I schools. Dr. Oiness currently serves as the consulting sport psychologist for the Las Vegas Aces and the Raiderettes.

She grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was a high-level gymnast who went on to compete at the collegiate level. Kacey is also a mom, raising a young son who is just beginning his journey in sports.

“My motivation for becoming a founding member of Momentum Labs is to make these essential resources available to as many athletes and families as possible. Having experienced the challenges of being a high-level athlete myself—and now witnessing it through the eyes of athletes I’ve worked with—I want to help equip young athletes with the mental skills they need. As I raise my son, I hope that he and other youth athletes gain access to tools that not only help them in sport but also in life.”

Professor Abigail Eiler – Chief Education & Product Development Officer

Abigail Eiler has dedicated nearly 20 years to enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of athletes at all levels. She holds a scholar-level clinical distinction, the highest level of recognition at Michigan Medicine. Previously, she served as CDEIO, Associate Athletic Director, and Director of Mental Health & High Performance at Michigan Athletics, succeeding Greg Harden. During her tenure, she contributed to conference records and national titles—some achieved in sports she once played, including water polo at the University of Michigan.

Currently, Eiler is a Clinical Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of Undergraduate Minor Programs at the University of Michigan. She has worked with athletes and coaches across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, and youth sports. With expertise in social work, performance coaching, and advocacy, she integrates evidence-based strategies to improve mental health and performance outcomes. Eiler also provides mental health services for the Detroit Lions and an MLB team.

Abigail comes from a family of Division I and professional athletes and finds joy in supporting her children as they explore their own sports journeys.

"At Momentum Labs, we believe early access to mental skills not only enhances performance but also shapes long-term well-being. By equipping young athletes with these tools, we aim to build confidence, resilience, and a positive sports experience—skills that will serve them both on and off the field for life."

Anthony McClish – Chief Operating Officer

Anthony McClish has spent 12 years working in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and the NBA league office. Most recently, he served as General Manager of the G League Ignite, leading 13 high school players to the NBA Draft between 2021 and 2024. He also consults for USA Basketball in scouting and personnel.

Originally from Lima, Ohio, Anthony earned his Bachelor’s from The Ohio State University in 2012, where he worked as a student manager for the women’s basketball team. He later completed an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan in 2021.

"Mental skills training is essential for professional athletes today. At Momentum Labs, we aim to make these same tools accessible to the next generation. I believe in the power of sports to inspire and bring people together, and I joined Momentum Labs to help youth athletes, parents, and coaches build healthy, positive relationships with each other and their sports."

Alan Woodruff – Chief Growth Officer

Alan Woodruff is a seasoned entrepreneur, growth executive, and strategic advisor with experience across startups and Fortune 50 companies in sectors like CPG, Financial Services, SaaS, and Healthcare. He has led growth initiatives, partnerships, and award-winning campaigns globally, with work spanning the U.S., Africa, and Northern Europe.

Alan’s career highlights include driving digital and brand strategy for Coca-Cola, Powerade, and Vitaminwater. At Voya Financial, his expertise in design thinking fueled industry disruption and multibillion-dollar growth. At Curology, he unlocked a new vertical through consumer insights, accelerating customer acquisition and strengthening cultural leadership.

“My growth philosophy is rooted in data-driven insights and building meaningful partnerships. I aim to create scalable solutions that leave a positive impact, with a focus on mental health advocacy in the startup ecosystem.”

Our Vision for Momentum Labs

At Momentum Labs, we are excited to provide families with the tools needed to proactively support athletes in developing mental skills for both sport and life. We believe that by building these skills early, athletes will be better equipped to handle adversity, manage stress, and thrive under the pressures that come with high-level performance.

We look forward to getting to know each of you and will continue to share more about ourselves and our mission. Stay tuned as we introduce the rest of our team and roll out more resources designed to empower athletes everywhere. Additionally, if you wish to learn more, visit our website: momentumlabs.coach.

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