Meet Ashley Zapata

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Zapata. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism is deeply rooted in the legacy of those who came before me—my ancestors, my family, and the trailblazers who carved paths where none existed. I carry their resilience with me, knowing that the barriers I face today are ones they, too, encountered in different forms. Yet, they pressed on, believing in something greater, in a future where their sacrifices would not be in vain.

One of the moments that solidified this mindset for me was when I was pursuing my doctorate. There were times when I questioned if I belonged, if I had what it took to succeed in spaces where people who looked like me were few and far between. But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself: I am here because someone before me dared to believe that I could be. My grandmother, who navigated life with unwavering faith and dignity despite limitations placed on her, never let obstacles define her. My parents, who balanced their dreams with the reality of raising a family, always instilled in me the power of perseverance.

So when I faced challenges—whether it was balancing my studies, my responsibilities, or the weight of proving myself—I leaned into that belief. My optimism is not just about seeing the bright side; it’s about knowing that possibility exists as long as I believe in myself. It’s about recognizing that I am the only one who needs to be convinced of my own capability. And just like those before me, I refuse to let obstacles be the end of my story. I choose to keep going, knowing that in doing so, I am not just honoring my own path—I am making it wider for those who will come after me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the founder of SOL Performance, a company dedicated to supporting athletes, coaches, and those who stand beside them in their journeys. As a clinical and sport psychologist, my work is rooted in the belief that mental performance and well-being are just as critical as physical training. What excites me most about what I do is witnessing the transformation—seeing athletes step into their confidence, teams build trust and cohesion, and coaches gain tools to empower those they lead.

At SOL Performance, we don’t believe that knowledge should be gatekept. That’s why we are getting ready to launch a FREE, one-of-its-kind resource library designed specifically for athletes, coaches, and members of the athlete support network. We believe in making high-quality information accessible—because every athlete deserves the opportunity to develop their mental game, and every coach and supporter deserves resources to guide them effectively.

Beyond SOL Performance, my work is also deeply personal. I come from a lineage of resilience, of people who faced barriers yet continued forward, making way for future generations. Their strength fuels my optimism and my passion for what I do. Whether working one-on-one with an athlete, speaking to teams, or building something as impactful as this resource library, I am constantly reminded that this work is bigger than me. It’s about creating lasting change in sport—ensuring that mental wellness and performance tools aren’t a luxury, but a standard.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, self-trust, and the ability to hold space for others. Adaptability has allowed me to navigate challenges with a growth mindset, adjusting my approach rather than resisting change. Self-trust has been essential—there have been moments where I was the only one who needed to believe in myself, and that belief kept me moving forward. The ability to hold space for others has shaped my work, allowing me to truly listen, understand, and support those I serve. For those early in their journey, my advice is this: embrace change, trust your instincts, and learn to listen deeply. Growth isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to the process.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes! At SOL Performance, we believe that sports should be available to all, and we are actively looking for partners who share this vision. We are currently working to build a performance center in Central America that will provide free access to mental and physical sport resources for athletes, coaches, and support networks. To make this vision a reality, we are seeking organizations, brands, and individuals who are passionate about sport accessibility, athlete mental wellness, and performance development. Whether you are in sport psychology, coaching, athletic training, sports tech, sponsorship, or facility development, we would love to collaborate with you.

If you’re reading this and want to be part of something transformative, let’s connect!

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