Matt Prosser Volleyball: The Power of Resilience, Human Connection, and the Mindset to Be Better

Introduction: What does it take to push through life’s toughest challenges and come out stronger? Former AVP professional beach volleyball player Matt Prosser knows this answer firsthand. From competing at the highest level of volleyball to battling testicular cancer, Matt’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, mindset, mental health, and the healing power of human connection.

In this #FlashbackFriday conversation on What I Meant to Say, Wendy Jones sat down with Matt Prosser, All-American, professional indoor and beach volleyball player, father, and cancer survivor, to discuss his journey back to health and sport. His story is a blueprint for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating adversity, showing how mindset, community, and self-awareness play a critical role in overcoming obstacles. Many athletes struggle to prioritize their mental health in the face of pressure and criticism, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and performance.

As we unpack Matt’s athlete’s perspective on health, wellness, and recovery, we’ll also explore how Human Design can help athletes, coaches, and parents develop a deeper self-awareness to navigate challenges, build resilience, and perform at their highest potential.

The Mindset of a Champion: How Human Design Shapes Resilience

Matt’s story isn’t just about volleyball or cancer—it’s about trusting the process, adapting, and leaning into personal strengths. In Human Design, each of us has a unique energy blueprint that influences how we process challenges, make decisions, and push through adversity. Understanding an athlete's authority and energy type within Human Design is crucial for decision-making and developing personalized training strategies that align with their natural strengths and behaviors. This approach is key to maximizing athletic potential, as it allows for tailored coaching that enhances performance and fosters both individual and team success.

1. Trusting the Process: Matt’s Manifesting Generator Energy

One of Matt’s key insights was comparing cancer treatment to training as an athlete:

“I compared it to sports—this was the path I needed to take to get better, and chemotherapy was the vehicle.” – Matt Prosser

In Human Design, this mindset aligns with Manifesting Generators and Generators, who thrive when they trust their gut instincts (Sacral Authority) and take actionable steps toward a goal. Athletes with this energy type can benefit from recognizing that every challenge is part of a bigger process—and that resilience comes from leaning into the present moment.

Key Takeaway for Athletes & Coaches:

• Train your mindset like your body. When facing adversity, reframe challenges as part of your process—whether that’s injury, setbacks, or mental blocks.
• Manifesting Generators & Generators excel when they trust their Sacral response—does something feel like a yes or no in the moment?  Do you know if you are one of these energy types?  Find out HERE!

2. The Healing Power of Human Connection: A Projector’s Perspective

Matt didn’t just push through cancer—he stayed connected to his volleyball community, using social interaction as part of his healing:

“The social connection and the physical exertion was so big for me—knowing I could be going through chemotherapy and still play volleyball.” – Matt Prosser 

This is an insight that resonates deeply with Projectors in Human Design, who thrive on deep relationships, mentorship, and invitations into meaningful experiences. Developing emotional intelligence is crucial in this context, as it helps build stronger relationships and effective mentorship.

In coaching and athletic performance, Projectors (like our Human Design Strategist, Ashley Clark!) operate best when they are seen, valued, and recognized for their wisdom. Understanding how different energy types within a team can enhance team dynamics and performance is also essential. This knowledge enables athletes to collaborate more effectively, leveraging the unique strengths of each type for optimal team functionality.

Key Takeaway for Coaches & Parents:

• If you or your athlete is a Projector, prioritize rest, recovery, and guidance from trusted mentors.
• Recognize that mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical training—a strong community fuels resilience.

3. The Importance of Self-Check & Self-Awareness

One of Matt’s most powerful takeaways was about early cancer detection: “The key is to check yourself—self-exam or have someone check for you.” – Matt Prosser 

This lesson applies beyond just health—it’s also a reminder of how self-awareness is crucial in all aspects of performance.

In Human Design, Reflectors are the most attuned to environmental shifts and physical well-being, but all energy types benefit from tuning into their body’s signals. Whether it’s physical health, burnout, mental health issues, or emotional energy shifts, paying attention to what feels right and what doesn’t is key.

Key Takeaway for Athletes & Coaches:

• Listen to your body. Small signs of imbalance—fatigue, mental fog, or physical symptoms—are messages from your system. Psychological resilience is essential in overcoming stressors and maintaining performance.
• Coaches & parents: Teach athletes self-awareness tools, whether that’s mindfulness, Human Design, or emotional check-ins. Start your journey with Human Design today with a FREE Discovery Call!

Mental Toughness in Sports

Mental toughness is a cornerstone of success in sports, enabling athletes to push through obstacles, excel under pressure, and exceed their physical limits. Developing mental toughness isn’t an overnight process; it requires deliberate effort and consistent practice. Techniques such as goal-setting, visualization, and positive self-talk are instrumental in this journey. Athletes who embody mental toughness view failures not as setbacks but as valuable learning opportunities, using them to fuel their growth and improvement. They possess a robust sense of self-belief, confidence, and a positive attitude that propels them forward.

In the realm of Human Design, mental toughness can be significantly enhanced by understanding an individual’s energy type, as well as various other aspects of their chart. This knowledge influences how athletes behave, make decisions, and interact with others. For instance, Manifesting Generators are renowned for their resilience and adaptability, traits that are crucial for mental toughness. By recognizing their energy type, athletes can tailor their strategies and create personalized training plans that align with their unique needs, ultimately maximizing their athletic potential.

Coaching and Team Dynamics

The role of coaching and team dynamics in fostering mental toughness cannot be overstated. Coaches who leverage Human Design can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between team members, allowing them to develop effective communication strategies that enhance team performance and relationships. By identifying the energy types of their athletes, coaches can craft personalized communication plans that cater to each individual’s needs, fostering a more harmonious and productive team environment.

Team cohesion is another critical element in developing mental toughness. When team members understand and respect each other’s energy types, they can collaborate more effectively and support one another through adversity. Human Design offers coaches valuable insights into their team’s dynamics, enabling them to cultivate a cohesive team culture that promotes resilience and collective success.

The Path Forward: Growth, Mindset, Mental Toughness & Overcoming Challenges

Matt’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define us—our response to them does. As he worked through chemotherapy, he kept his volleyball mentality, knowing that pushing through challenges with the right mindset and support system would bring him back stronger. This approach is crucial for athletic development, fostering growth and a resilient mindset.

“Realize where you are, what you have, take it, and be better for it.” – Matt Prosser 

At BeBetter.Life, we believe that awareness, resilience, and human connection are key elements in personal and athletic growth. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, Alchemy for Athletes and Coaches is utilizing Human Design as a tool to deepen self-awareness, align with your strengths, and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Additionally, understanding individual energy types through Human Design can significantly enhance sports performance by tailoring coaching strategies to each athlete's unique strengths and communication styles.

Overcoming Adversity

Overcoming adversity is a fundamental aspect of mental toughness. Athletes who can rebound from failures and setbacks are more likely to achieve long-term success in their sport. Human Design provides athletes with the tools to develop the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate challenges. By understanding their energy type, athletes can devise more effective coping strategies and create training plans that cater to their specific needs.

For example, Manifestors are known for their ability to initiate action and take risks. When faced with adversity, Manifestors can harness their energy to take bold steps and overcome obstacles. Conversely, Generators are celebrated for their consistency and reliability. In the face of adversity, Generators can leverage their energy to remain focused and motivated, finding creative solutions to problems and pushing through challenges with unwavering determination.

Case Studies and Examples

There are numerous examples of athletes who have harnessed the power of Human Design to develop mental toughness and achieve remarkable success in their sports. Consider a Manifesting Generator athlete who uses their energy to create a balanced training plan that incorporates both physical and mental exercises. This athlete stays focused and motivated, overcoming obstacles and setbacks with resilience and adaptability.

On the other hand, a Projector athlete might use their energy to develop strategic plans for their sport with the adage of ‘work smarter, not harder.’ By analyzing their opponents and crafting effective game strategies, they stay calm and focused under pressure, making quick, decisive moves in high-stakes situations. These examples illustrate how understanding and leveraging one’s Human Design energy type can lead to personalized training plans and strategies that drive success.  Discover your energy type and how to harness your strengths with a FREE BodyGraph Report HERE!

By integrating these insights into their training and development, athletes can unlock their full potential, building the mental toughness needed to excel in their sports and beyond. Positive thinking plays a crucial role in athletic performance, fostering a growth mindset and self-belief that contribute to success in sports.

Final Thoughts & Action Steps

1. Athletes – Learn your Human Design to optimize your mindset, training, and decision-making.
2. Coaches – Build human connection and tailor training approaches based on your athletes’ unique needs using Human Design.
3. Parents – Encourage self-awareness in your children by fostering resilience, adaptability, and trust in their path.

Where to Connect with Matt Prosser & Learn More

Donate to the Arthritis Foundation: Click Here

Follow Matt Prosser on Instagram: @themattprosser

Watch Matt’s Broadcasts:

• Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball on ESPN+
• Volleyball World TV – www.VolleyballWorld.TV

Explore More on Human Design for Athletes & Coaches

💡 Ready to unlock the power of Human Design in your athletic or coaching journey through the lens of sports psychology?

➡️ Get your Free Human Design BodyGraph Chart Report - HERE!

➡️ Book a 1:1 Human Design Coaching Session for Athletes & Coaches - HERE!