
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered.
The Bounce Mentor helps athletes take ownership of their development. That means understanding opportunities, surrounding themselves with the right people, and making informed decisions about sports and life. We focus on what happens between games: pressure, relationships, identity, major choices, and transitions. We are not a sports agency, therapy practice, or recruiting service. We're part of the broader Bounce universe within ELBI.
CEOs don't do every job themselves. They set direction, understand the big picture, bring in specialists, and make decisions. Athletes can learn to do the same: coaches coach, agents represent, parents support, and specialists advise. At 13, this means learning to ask questions alongside your family. At 25, it can mean managing a professional career. Independence doesn't mean going it alone.
These programs serve three stages of one journey. Talent Mentoring supports young athletes and families as they build a foundation. Pro Player Care offers independent guidance during a professional career. Career Transition helps athletes explore life beyond competitive sports. The same principles apply differently at every stage.
Bounce Sessions are our group experiences. Group Mentoring brings together eight to ten athletes from different sports, generally twice a month during a season, with individual feedback and community access. Parent Bounce Sessions are talks and workshops designed for sports families, online and at selected in-person events. Space and scheduling vary.
We work across sports. Basketball is where our 25-year international experience began, but pressure, identity, relationships, and career decisions are not limited to one sport. Our small-group programs also bring athletes from different sports together.
No. Talent Mentoring is designed for younger athletes, but Pro Player Care serves athletes during their careers, while Career Transition is for those exploring their next chapter. We start with your situation, not a specific age.
No. We don't negotiate sports contracts, act as agents, or recruit on behalf of teams or colleges. Agents, coaches, therapists, and other professionals have clearly defined responsibilities. Mentoring helps athletes understand and coordinate their own decisions within that support system.
Yes. We complement agents and teams, rather than competing with them. Roles, confidentiality, and communication boundaries are agreed on before work begins.
Yes. We collaborate with teams, agencies, athletic programs, and other organizations when our role is clear and the athlete's interests remain central. See our Teams & Organizations page to explore partnership options.
There's no universal age. Young athletes may face major decisions about schools, teams, and their future while they're still in high school. We adapt our approach to age, sport, and circumstances. A free 30-minute call is a good starting point.
No. We don't judge potential by rankings or exposure. Habits, decision-making, and support systems can be built long before elite recruiting starts. We'll help you decide whether mentoring makes sense right now.
Absolutely. Parents are partners, not bystanders. We know families often make important decisions without having all the information. Our role is to help everyone ask the right questions and understand the options.
Yes. Parents can be involved at key stages, and families can join the introductory call. We also offer Parent Bounce Sessions and a book written for sports parents.
NeuroSignature is a guided self-reflection tool used alongside our assessment process. It helps athletes talk about how they approach choices, react under pressure, and what supports their progress. It is not a medical or psychological test or a fixed personality label.
Six pillars guide our work. Baseline: habits and foundation. Objectives: direction and decisions. Uniqueness: identity and strengths. Neuro-Mindset: self-awareness and resilience. Connection: trusted relationships. Elevation: action and growth. The approach evolves with each athlete's needs.
Most sessions can take place virtually, making it easier to maintain momentum during the season. In-person meetings may also be arranged. We work with athletes in Europe and the United States; availability depends on location and schedule.
Programs are usually structured around a season, after an initial assessment session. The frequency and format depend on your needs and competition schedule. We'll discuss options during the introductory call.
First, schedule a complimentary 30-minute introductory call. If mentoring is a good fit, we begin with an assessment of your goals, routines, support system, and near-term decisions. Then we agree on a plan suited to your circumstances.
We work with a limited number of athletes, so the quickest way to connect is usually to book a 30-minute introductory call directly on our calendar.
We take privacy seriously, including when a team or agency covers the cost. Information sharing and legal or safeguarding exceptions are explained upfront. We don't share private session content with an organization without the athlete's consent, except where required by law.
The Bounce Mentor is part of the Bounce universe within ELBI. Bounce Nation is our community, open to those who agree to respectful participation guidelines. Team Fikeo, founded in 1998, is where the journey began.
Tout commence par une conversation.
Get started together
Thirty minutes. No pressure. Bring your questions and we'll help you find clarity. If it's not the right time for mentoring, we'll say so.
The Door Is Open
Bounce Nation is our athlete community. Free to join, with a shared commitment to respect and positive participation.
We work with a small number of athletes so we can give each relationship our full attention.