About GPA
What is Gaard Performance Academy?
Gaard Performance Academy is a total student-athlete development company that provides services in physical, mental and academic performance coaching. Our mission is to authentically help student-athletes become the best they are capable of becoming in all areas of their lives by empowering them to maximize their unique strengths. In our collective experience as coaches, we observe that student-athletes will often invest in sport-specific training from one coach and academic tutoring from another; but do these coaches ever communicate to one another about the student’s strengths and barriers? Do they share similar language when it comes to helping the student set performance goals? We were inspired to create a company that bridges communication between coaches and offers services that meet the needs of the total student-athlete, all under the umbrella of one trusted company. With our belief in positive coaching, we employ a strengths-based approach to working with athletes to bring out the best in their abilities, building confidence throughout that process. As a family business grown from the roots of our hometown, we take immense pride in our commitment to great service, providing young people with life-enhancing coaching, positive lessons and strategies for success they can carry with them through athletics, academics and beyond.
Jaime Gaard Chapman
Owner
Growing up in a family that loved competitive sports, Jaime learned to compete and set personal goals very early on in life. Her positive experience as a student-athlete sparked a passion to pursue a career in helping young people reach their personal best. What started out as summer tennis lessons through word-of-mouth marketing, Gaard Performance Academy has now become Jaime's full-time career! Jaime believes in a strengths-based, positive coaching philosophy. When working with Jaime, student-athletes will be encouraged and challenged at their particular level to keep improving, all while having fun and working toward their personal best effort and performance. She is excited to continue coaching and mentoring young people as they grow to be thriving, happy and successful in whatever they choose to do.
Educational and Athletic Experience
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M.Ed in Counseling Psychology and Positive Coaching from Mizzou
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MN State High School Tennis Doubles Champion and 4-time Team Champion
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ITA College Tennis Midwest Singles Champion
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NCAA All-American Tennis Player
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Section 6AA MN State High School Tennis Coach of the Year
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Edina Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
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PerformanceXtra™ Certified Mental Toughness Performance Coach
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USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
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ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer
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Licensed Cardio Tennis Professional
Megan Gaard
Performance Coach
Educational and Athletic Experience
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M.A. in Coaching and Athletic Administration from U of California-Irvine
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MN State High School Tennis Doubles Champion and 5-time Team Champion
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ITA College Tennis Midwest Doubles Champion
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NCAA All-American Tennis Player
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USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
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ACTION Certificate in Personal Training
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Former Assistant Athletic Director for Division III athletic conference
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NCAA Sports Information award for Excellence in Sports Writing