March 12th, 2024
Coach Cal has been amazing in his work with our players at Norwood from U12’s all the way through to our NBL1 teams.
He helped a number of our teams improve their performance by breaking through mental barriers, improving focus, mental preparation, and team culture
Coach Cal has the perfect demeanor for this role- he’s warm, communicates clearly and well, but also is direct when he needs to be in moments to ask the tough questions. His contribution to the Club has been invaluable.
Will Smith
President – Norwood Basketball Club
SEPTEMBER 20th, 2023
Before using Rise Above Adversity I lacked confidence and the ability to quickly move on from mistakes. Which I highlighted as a specific weakness of mine.
Working with Cal has helped me fully understand my mindset, while maximizing his coaching and the program.
Nowadays, I feel more confident and overall more mentally stronger and tougher. Cal has helped me develop techniques to improve my confidence and attitude. I would strongly recommend working with Rise Above Adversity to anyone who struggles mentally or who wants to take their mental state to the next level.
Marco D’Annunzio
Athlete – Norwood Football Club
JULY 14th, 2022
There are many facets of sport to consider but the important development of mindset and thought processes are often left to navigate on our own. Our son prompted us to follow up on Cal’s program after hearing him present at a training session and he has been having 1:1 coaching sessions with Cal for some time now. Setting goals and helping to navigate future pathways as well as taking the time to discuss and reflect have created clear thought processes and strategies for our son in the face of success or adversity. We truly value the support that Cal provides and highly recommend his services
Leann King
Parent – College Athlete
AUGUST 17th, 2022
When I started with Coach Cal I was a very arrogant, emotionally unstable, and doubting player. I missed one shot or made one mistake and my whole performance would change. After finishing the program, I have now become a very mentally and emotionally stable player, much more level-headed and understanding of peak performance, physically and mentally. I can now play games and enjoy myself and perform well while making mistakes as they no longer affect me. Coach Cal changed my mindset in basketball forever.
Darcy McNamara
Athlete – Norwood Flames NBL1
July 20th, 2021
Cal from Rise Above Adversity has been instrumental in diving into the mental aspect of basketball with our Lab46 Academy. His professionalism is second to none. Cal has the ability to share his knowledge with audiences young and old, in a way that is easy to follow. We appreciate your work mate. Thank you!
Gab Saldavia
Owner & Head Coach @ Lab46 Academy
November 2nd, 2020
My daughter reached a point when physical training wasn’t enough. I knew that she had the skills but something else was holding her back. After a bad game, she agreed to find someone to help develop her mental skills. I approached Cal who tailored a plan to help her focus on staying present and trusting herself on the court. After 3 months of working with Cal, my daughter not only improved her performance, but she now plays more confident and happy. She has achieved new goals at higher levels, without feeling stressed or worried.
Yoselyn Montenegro
Parent – NBL1 Athlete
October 9th, 2019
To anyone that’s interested in getting Cal to enhance their mental side of any particular sport, I completely recommend him. He has mentored my son for four sessions and has completely changed his performance mentally and physically in a positive confident way.
Sascha Kitto
Parent – SANFL Athlete
