Katie Hollingsworth is no stranger to the Learfield College Rodeo podcast, joining Shelby in July to discuss her work as a mental performance coach, her involvement with the Western Sports Foundation, and her ties to the Oklahoma State Rodeo team. However, for the twenty-fifth episode, Katie is back to discuss her new business venture, the Western Integrity Coaching Academy.

Hollingsworth is a provider for the Western Sports Foundation, where there has been a growing demand for mental health and mental performance resources. There has historically been a very limited number of these resources available to athletes and coaches in the Western industry. Therefore, the idea was born to create an academy for college rodeo coaches, equestrian coaches, riding instructors and other leaders in the Western world.

The Western Integrity Coaching Academy is an innovative training program designed to elevate coaching within the Western community.  Aimed at existing and aspiring mental performance coaches, this immersive training will build skills to support athletes’ psychological and performance needs, integrate mental performance strategies into their coaching toolkit, and pursue certification and professional growth in the coaching world. 

The Core Essentials of Mental Performance

This opportunity includes two key components.  First, is Module 1, the Core Essentials of Mental Performance workshop, happening January 23-24, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.  This is aimed at anyone looking to up their coaching or leadership game and will equip them with the foundational mental performance coaching skills that directly support stronger leadership, improved athlete consistency, and a healthier, more resilient team culture. 

Professional Essentials

The second component is a 12-week professional training course, suited for those committed to a full coaching career path in the Western lifestyle.  This ICF aligned program will include 60 hours of virtual and in-person learning where coaching will be put into practice in several different ways, including the opportunity to work one-on-one with professional rodeo athletes.

To learn more about Katie’s vision and the Western Integrity Coaching Academy, listen to Episode 25 of the Learfield College Rodeo Podcast with Shelby Rasmussen.