Zalgiris Kaunas proudly announces an exciting new partnership with RIZE, setting a new standard for player development in elite youth sports by prioritizing mental training and well-being, bringing innovation to their club and community.

In elite sports, psychological skills are as essential as physical abilities. Through this collaboration, Zalgiris youth players and coaches will have access to RIZE’s innovative platform and premium consulting services, providing tools to enhance mental performance, team cohesion, and mental wellness. This partnership is a powerful acknowledgment of the critical role that mental states play in high-stakes sports, where pressures and expectations push athletes to their limits.

“Zalgiris is leading the way in fully integrating psychological factors into youth player development,” said Salika Peucelle, RIZE Founder and CEO. “Our partnership will ensure that Zalgiris youth players have the tools and support they need to reach their full potential and sustainably develop into balanced and well-prepared professional athletes —thriving both on the court and in their personal lives.”

This partnership reinforces Zalgiris’s commitment to a holistic approach to player development and underscores RIZE’s role as a trailblazer in the mental training space in sports. Together, they’re challenging the industry to rethink player care and development, prioritizing holistic preparation as a key factor in achieving peak performance.

“It is a significant step forward, because Zalgiris is committed to setting new benchmarks in player development, and this collaboration is a testament to that dedication. Together with RIZE, we are placing a strong emphasis on the importance of mental training and well-being, recognizing that elite performance goes beyond physical skills. By integrating advanced mental training techniques, we are ensuring that our young athletes are prepared for the challenges of elite competition, both on and off the court,” said Gediminas Navickas, GM of Zalgiris Kaunas.

RIZE enhances mental skills that are equally important in sports and life, from youth to pro levels, to help clubs develop better athletes, stronger teams, and happier people. It integrates mental training into player development, provide mental health resources, and help with the pressures of balancing professional sports with personal life.