In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Makenna Marisa — former Penn State standout and current professional basketball player — for a conversation every athlete needs to hear about confidence, self-doubt, and controlling what you can when things don’t go your way.

From the outside, it’s easy to assume that elite athletes never struggle with confidence. They’re talented. They’ve earned scholarships. They’ve gone pro. Surely the doubt disappears at some point, right?

Makenna is quick to shut that idea down.

Even at the highest levels of the game, self-doubt shows up. Shots don’t fall. Minutes fluctuate. Roles change. Pressure increases. And the mental side of the game becomes just as important — if not more important — than the physical.

From there, Makenna breaks down her personal formula for building belief, even on days when doubt creeps in:

- Fake it until you make it — confidence is often built after action, not before it

- Move quickly to the next play — dwelling on mistakes only compounds them

- Always look 200 feet ahead — zoom out, think long-term, and don’t let one moment define you

These ideas sound simple, but anyone who’s competed knows how hard they are to execute in real time — especially after a missed shot, a turnover, or a tough game. Makenna explains that learning to reset quickly and stay forward-focused has been one of the biggest keys to her growth, both as a player and as a person.

Makenna’s journey is a powerful reminder that even the best athletes feel unsure at times — and that’s okay. What matters is how you show up when things aren’t clicking. Defense still matters. Preparation still matters. Being a great teammate still matters.

We also give a shoutout to Makenna for an incredible start to her professional career overseas in Australia. Competing at that level comes with new challenges, new environments, and new pressure — and she’s embracing it head-on.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes who’ve ever questioned themselves after a bad game, parents who want to support confidence the right way, and coaches who believe growth happens when players learn to respond, reset, and keep going.

🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect families with elite, vetted coaches to help athletes grow through great instruction, strong habits, and positive sports experiences.

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