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Optimal sports performance begins with mental wellness

Optimal Athletic Zone empowers youth athletes to build the essential skills they need to excel on and off the field.

We realize our kids shoulder many high expectations

Growing up in hyper-competitive, high-pressure environments has become the norm—especially within the tri-state area. Between juggling school, sports, and social lives, our kids often feel maxed out on time and energy. 

It’s no wonder many children feel overwhelmed and stressed—unable to reach their full potential. 

But there's a better way forward •

But there's a better way forward •

Based in NYC, Optimal Athletic Zone blends sports performance training with the resilient skill-building of mental wellness therapy

The OAZ Difference

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a black top, smiling with crossed hands, sitting at a wooden table with a blurred green outdoor background.

Meet Sue Sugarman

Therapist. Adjunct Lecturer at NYU. Former Adjunct Lecturer at Columbia University (10 years). Certified in Mental Health of Elite Athletes - International Olympic Committee. Sports Mom. Triathlete.

With over 25 years of experience as a Child & Adolescent Therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how stress and pressure impact kids on and off the field. 

As a sports mom and triathlete, my interest in the mental health of student-athletes has grown over the years. It inspired me to co-design the first national course for graduate social workers at NYU, titled Introduction to Mental Health in Athletes and Clinical Social Work.

  • Before working toward my PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at Yeshiva University, I earned my Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Sports Psychology, at Boston University. While at BU, I completed rotations working with D1 and D3 student-athletes and teams as well as high school athletes. 

    I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Throughout my training and work in academia, I’ve utilized a holistic, person-centered approach in how I coach, teach, and train.

A woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing a black turtleneck and green pants, standing indoors by a wall, smiling at the camera.

Hi, I’m Becca Klapper

EdM. CMPC. Three-Sport Athlete.


As a three sport-athlete in high school, youth athletics played a central role in my life. Becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and pursuing my PhD in Clinical Health Psychology felt like the natural next steps in my journey.

Mindset development and effective routine building are key to improving sports performance. I’m passionate about teaching youth athletes how to build their mental skill toolbox to reach peak performance.

  • While teaching at Columbia University, I recognized a critical gap through my work in academia and my consultation room. 

    Traditional sports performance coaching focuses on valuable skills but often overlooks the whole person behind the athlete. With a more holistic approach, we address the root cause of any challenge and create an action plan that works for you.

    Optimal Athletic Zone helps me blend my passion for guiding kids and families through tough challenges while equipping them while equipping them with skills to build lifelong resilience.

Our Philosophies

  • Resilience is a learned skill. It can be strengthened and honed over time.

  • Our identity and self-worth are not defined by our performance.

  • Performance alone does not determine our happiness or success.

  • One of the bravest things we can do for our kids is ask for help.

  • Emotions change, but what matters most is how we handle them.

Sports Performance & Mental Wellness

Let’s Work Together

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