Pat Smith

Warrior Steps Mindset & Performance Coach

Two wrestlers in a match, one wearing a colorful blue, green, and yellow singlet, the other in red and pink, grappling on the mat.

“With Warrior Steps, my focus is on helping athletes understand and strengthen the mental side of performance, so they can compete with clarity and confidence while building habits that will serve them long after their time on the mat is finished.”

Pat Smith

A group of young wrestlers and coaches posing on a podium at a wrestling championship, with medals, trophies, and a large pink digital screen in the background displaying logos for United World Wrestling, Guatemala, and other organizations.

I’ve been involved in the sport of wrestling for more than 30 years, experiencing it from nearly every angle — as an athlete, teammate, coach, and administrator. My path through the sport has taken me to every level of competition and coaching, including competing for one of the nation’s premier Division I programs and representing Team USA on 4 World Teams. Wrestling has taken me across the country and the globe, to more than 36 nations worldwide, shaping not only my career, but my perspective on performance and growth.

Through those experiences, I’ve come to believe that wrestling is one of the most honest teachers in life. It exposes strengths and weaknesses in real time. It demands alignment of the physical, mental, and spiritual. When all three are aligned, growth follows. The sport requires accountability at a level few environments can replicate.

Over time, I’ve realized that wrestling is far more than competition — it is preparation. The discipline, resilience, character, and self-awareness forged on the mat carry into every area of life. With Warrior Steps, my focus is on helping athletes understand and strengthen the mental side of performance, so they can compete with clarity and confidence while building habits that will serve them long after their time on the mat is finished.

Pat Smith in a USA red and blue uniform is celebrating, holding his fist in the air after a competition, with an athlete and official visible in the background.

Experience & Credentials

Athletic

  • 4x USA Greco-Roman World Team Member

  • University World Silver Medalist

  • 2019 Pan American Games Champion

  • 4x Pan American Champion

  • 4-year letter winner – University of Minnesota 

Education

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Human Resources and Industrial Relations – Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology – University of Minnesota 

Coaching

  • U15 Pan American Team Coach

  • U17 Pan American Team Coach

  • Pinnacle Wrestling School – Assistant Coach

  • Minnesota Storm – Assistant Coach

  • Pat Smith Wrestling – Owner/ Operator

  • J  Robinson Intensive Camps – Group Leader