Inspiring Conversations with Maryna Liubarova of MVL Performance Coaching

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryna Liubarova

Hi Maryna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Maryna Liubarova, and I am the founder of MVL Performance Coaching. Born and raised in Ukraine, I moved to the United States 16 years ago. Life brought me to the picturesque town of Vail, Colorado, where I met my best friend and soulmate. Together, we’re raising three beautiful children and embracing the joy of outdoor adventures every day as a family.

Sports have always been an integral part of my life. Growing up, I participated in a diverse range of athletic pursuits, including ballroom dancing, wrestling, sport forest orientation, short- and long-distance running, and sand pit long jumping. These weren’t just hobbies; I competed passionately in all of them. Around the age of 13 or 14, I excelled in short-distance running, which earned me an invitation to train at a sports academy with the potential to compete professionally and even qualify for the Olympics. Although my mom ultimately decided not to let me pursue this path, my life has remained deeply connected to sports in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time.

Years later, my passion for sports found a new avenue through my journey as a performance coach. Initially, I focused on helping individuals overcome everyday challenges, but everything changed when I started applying the same strategies and techniques to help my oldest son with his athletic competitions. I witnessed firsthand how combining mental tools and skills with physical abilities could unlock extraordinary performance. Seeing his success inspired me to expand my expertise into the world of sports psychology.

Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the art and science of sports performance. My journey has involved a deep dive into sports psychology through extensive research, training programs, and real-world experience. I’ve had the privilege of working directly with professional skiers, hockey players, surfers, and skateboarders. From the adrenaline-filled slopes to the high-pressure arenas, I’ve supported athletes as they navigate the complexities of their sport, overcome mental roadblocks, and achieve breakthroughs in performance. My approach goes beyond theory, drawing from countless hours spent observing, learning, and applying techniques tailored to each athlete’s unique challenges and goals.

My approach blends the practical tools of performance coaching with the specialized strategies of sports psychology, creating a holistic framework tailored to each athlete’s unique needs. I’m passionate about helping athletes break through mental barriers, develop resilience, and find joy in the process of growth and competition. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this journey is simple yet profound: Life is a sport, so play it and have fun.

At MVL Performance Coaching, my mission is to empower athletes to embrace challenges, find their inner strength, and thrive in all areas of life. Whether you’re a professional athlete who’s striving for peak performance or looking to overcome personal obstacles, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anyone’s journey through life is entirely smooth, and mine has been no exception. One of the biggest challenges I faced was my own insecurity about my accent. For a long time, I was cautious and hesitant to speak openly, fearing that people might not understand me or that my words wouldn’t be taken seriously. It was a hurdle that kept me in my shell, questioning my ability to connect with others, especially in a coaching setting where communication is everything.

But over time, I realized that my accent is a part of my identity and my story. I began to see it as a strength rather than a weakness. Through consistent effort and a lot of courage, I pushed myself to speak with confidence. I focused on what I was saying rather than how I sounded, trusting that my passion and message would resonate.

Now, I see those moments of insecurity as part of my growth. Overcoming that fear taught me the value of authenticity and the importance of embracing who I am. It’s also made me more empathetic to the struggles of others, which is something I bring into my coaching. If I can overcome my fears, I know others can overcome theirs too, and that’s a message I strive to share with everyone I work with.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At MVL Performance Coaching, we specialize in helping athletes overcome obstacles that hinder their performance, whether it’s recovering from injuries, managing pressure during high-stakes moments, or breaking through plateaus. Our coaching is designed to support athletes in all aspects of their journey, empowering them to unlock their full potential both mentally and physically. We focus on the mental aspects of performance, knowing that true success starts from within. Through our personalized strategies and tools, we help athletes build resilience, conquer mental barriers, and achieve lasting results.

What sets MVL Performance Coaching apart is our holistic, athlete-centered approach. We understand that each athlete faces unique challenges, and we tailor our coaching to meet those needs. Whether you’re a skier looking to elevate your performance on the slopes, a hockey player striving to maintain focus and poise under pressure, or any other athlete navigating the ups and downs of their sport, our services are crafted to help you push through barriers and win.

Our coaching doesn’t just focus on victory; we believe in helping athletes find joy, purpose, and balance along the way. By integrating performance coaching tools with sports psychology principles, we create sustainable, meaningful change that extends beyond just the game or event.

We’ve had the privilege of working with athletes in a variety of sports, including professional skiers, hockey players, surfers, and skateboarders. Our goal is to help them excel not only in their respective sports but also in maintaining balance in their personal lives. We believe that the key to sustained success lies in developing a resilient mindset, setting clear goals, and maintaining the mental strength to thrive both on and off the field.

MVL Performance Coaching is more than just sports coaching—it’s about transforming the way athletes approach challenges. We’re here to help you break through limits, maintain mental toughness, and achieve your greatest potential. Through one-on-one coaching or customized team strategies, we’re dedicated to guiding athletes to peak performance.

At MVL Performance Coaching, we’re more than a coach—we’re your partner in growth, ready to help you turn challenges into stepping stones and transform your aspirations into achievements.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
When you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming, and there will be moments of doubt and frustration. The key is to never quit. There will be times when you feel like you’re not making progress, but that’s when you have to remind yourself to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Stay committed to the process, even when it feels tough.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Whether it’s from mentors, colleagues, or even people in your network, seeking guidance can provide clarity and support when things get challenging. The road may not always be easy, but if you keep moving forward, you will grow stronger and more capable with each step. Remember, success comes from persistence, not perfection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mvllifecoaching.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaliubarova/

Image Credits
Pictures are done by Gina Khrestsova!