When it comes to blending mental health awareness with athletics, Carlie Grandjean ‘20 is leading the charge. A Denison graduate with a major in Education and a minor in Psychology, Carlie has built a career dedicated to supporting athletes both mentally and physically. She is the founder of Master Your Mind, a mental health private practice that provides therapy sessions specifically for athletes, and she also serves as an assistant coach for the women’s lacrosse team at the University of Akron.
At Master Your Mind, Carlie works directly with athletes, helping them navigate the pressures of competitive sports while fostering mental well-being. Through her platform, she also seeks to destigmatize mental health discussions within the athletic community. In her coaching role at the University of Akron, she focuses on player development, guiding young athletes toward their goals while creating a supportive team environment.
Carlie’s career path was shaped by several pivotal experiences at Denison. Her love for psychology first took root in Introduction to Psychology and Abnormal Psychology with Professor Weis, who made the subject both engaging and deeply meaningful. These classes helped her realize her passion for understanding human behavior.
Her time as a student-athlete also played a crucial role in shaping her direction. As a four-year member of the women’s lacrosse team, she developed strong bonds with her teammates and coaches, which reinforced her desire to work in collegiate athletics. She saw firsthand how impactful a positive team culture could be and wanted to foster that same environment for future athletes.
The most profound moment in Carlie’s journey was the loss of her close friend and classmate, Sean Bonner, to suicide. His passing deeply affected the Denison community and became a turning point for Carlie. The grief and confusion she experienced made her realize how critical mental health resources are, especially for athletes who often face unique pressures but may not seek help. This experience ultimately inspired her to dedicate her career to providing mental health support within sports.
Denison’s liberal arts education prepared Carlie for her career in ways she didn’t initially expect. Her psychology courses gave her a foundation for understanding mental health, while her education major strengthened her leadership and communication skills, both of which are essential in her work as a therapist and coach. Small class sizes and close faculty interactions encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, all of which she uses daily in her practice and on the field.
Beyond academics, Carlie’s experience as a student-athlete taught her resilience, discipline, and teamwork. These skills have been invaluable in running her own business and in shaping the next generation of athletes.
Carlie encourages students to keep an open mind when it comes to career exploration. “I remember feeling very stressed because I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my major or my life in general. But now I know that it was all part of the process.” Her advice? Take classes that interest you, even if they don’t seem directly related to your major. You never know where they might lead.
She also reminds students that their major doesn’t have to define their career. “I have a lot of friends who graduated with an education degree and now work in business. Just keep an open mind and enjoy the process.”
Carlie’s journey is a testament to patience and perseverance. “It took me until I was 23 years old to find the career I wanted and until I was 26 to find an employer I enjoyed working for.” Sometimes finding where you belong takes time, but every step along the way is part of the process.
If you’d like to learn more about Carlie’s work in mental health and athletics or her career journey, you can connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carlie-grandjean-lpc-906b35176. She’s a fantastic resource for students exploring careers in mental health, coaching, or entrepreneurship.
