From a young age, Georgetown University pitcher Johan Franco was obsessed with baseball. Growing up, the diamond was his second home, and his dream was always to play at the highest level.
“I’ve loved baseball for as long as I can remember,” Johan said. “From when I was a kid, I would spend hours practicing my pitches and working on my game. My goal was always to play in college—at the highest level I could reach.”
But, as many athletes know, the mental side of the game can be just as challenging as the physical. As Johan progressed in his baseball career, he started to face mental hurdles—especially when he made a mistake on the mound.
“I used to get in my head a lot,” Johan admitted. “If I gave up a hit or a run, I’d replay it over and over in my mind. That mental spiral would affect my focus, and I’d feel pressure building up, which made it even harder to perform.”
That all changed when a classmate recommended Ascend. Initially skeptical, Johan decided to give the app a try—and what started as a small commitment to 5-minute daily sessions soon transformed his mental game.
“I focused on breathing and clearing my mind for just five minutes a day,” Johan said. “It didn’t seem like a lot, but over time, it made a huge difference. I wasn’t dwelling on past mistakes or stressing about the outcome. I was able to stay present in the moment.”
With Ascend’s guided meditation sessions, Johan was able to reset mentally, bounce back after tough innings, and attack each pitch with a clear, focused mind.
“I don’t let one pitch affect the next anymore. Now, I reset and move on quickly. I go into every inning with confidence, and I’m able to focus on what I can control right in front of me.”
Today, Johan says his mental toughness is stronger than ever. “Baseball has always been my passion, and now, with Ascend, I approach every game with a calm and clear mind. My ability to handle pressure and stay focused has increased dramatically.”
From a kid dreaming of playing baseball in college to a Georgetown pitcher, Johan’s journey is a reminder that mental clarity is just as important as physical skill. With Ascend, Johan is not only playing the game he loves but thriving under pressure—pitch by pitch.
