Mac Mentality
1% Better Everyday
Through my experience playing at the highest levels of softball; high school, college, professional and for Team USA, I’ve learned the secret to true confidence is rooted in intentional preparation. Each phase of my journey has shown me that diligent preparation not only sharpens skills, but also, fosters mental strength necessary for success. By committing time and effort to our craft, we equip ourselves to tackle challenges with grace and confidence. Embrace this journey, and let your preparation serve as the cornerstone of your self-assurance.
-Iyhia McMichael
Founder Hitting with Mac
Career Highlights
Pursuing Greatness
Dr. McMichael, or Coach Mac as most of her colleagues and athletes know her, is a native of Nacogdoches, TX. Born and raised into a family where having a strong work ethic was formed. The eldest daughter of two hard working coaches and granddaughter to Clarence “Bo” McMichael; a longtime teacher, high school football coach and community leader in Nacogdoches. In addition to a long career in public education that began after he served with the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, McMichael was elected to three terms on the NISD Board of Trustees.
Clarence "Bo" McMichael the coach and educator is where Coach Mac came to know that building her life on the backs of her parents and grandparents meant. pursuing a path with passion and working hard is the key to success.
When it came to Coach Mac's search for the values of what it takes to pursue greatness, she did not have to travel far; greatness lied right within her own family. Coach Mac's family serves as the root of her inner strength, the reach of her passion for helping athletes strive to become the best versions of themselves. Rooted in education and born of hard work, Coach Mac is the proud daughter of Clarence and Beverly McMichael and the granddaughter of Clarence and Sue McMichael.
After a distinguished athletic career at Nacogdoches High School where she led the Lady Dragon softball team to the Class 5A State Tournament, and also earned multiple District MVP, and All-State accolades as a multi-sport athlete, Coach Mac signed to play softball at SEC powerhouse Mississippi State.
While in Starkville, Coach Mac had nothing short of a phenomenal career. She was a 3 time All-American, a three- time All-Region outfielder, as well as being named the SEC player of the year in back- to- back seasons. In 2004, Coach Mac finished in the Top 4 for the Honda Award given to the nation’s best overall collegiate athlete. That same year, she finished in the Top 3 for the USA Softball collegiate player of the year. Even more impressive, while excelling on the playing field, she was also named an Academic All-American. Coach Mac still holds or is in the top 5 in 10 different offensive categories at Mississippi State.
Perhaps her most remarkable honor from Mississippi State was given after she had been away many years later. Coach Mac was named an All-Time SEC Great by her alma mater. In 2012, Mississippi State chose her as the school’s lone female representative to the Southeastern Conference’s all-time greatest women athletes in school history regardless of any sport. After the tremendous success she had at Mississippi State, Iyhia was selected by the Akron Racers as the #1 overall pick in the 1st round of the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch Draft.
Most recently, in October of 2024, Coach Mac was inducted into the Mississippi Sate Softball Hall of a Fame; making her the first Black softball player in school history to receive that honor.
Iyhia would go on to win the 2005 NPF league MVP award as well as lead her team to the title that same year. To top off this wonderful playing career, Iyhia was chosen to represent her country on Team USA’s Elite Team where she helped the Red, White, and Blue win the Gold Medal in the 2003 Canada Cup with a dramatic last inning walk off home run.
With her playing career over, and having already earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State, Iyhia would go on to receive a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a PhD. in Educational Leadership from the University of New England officially becoming Dr. Iyhia McMichael.
Education
Nacogdoches High School
Iyhia attended Nacogdoches High School where she played three sports: Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. Iyhia had the privilege of playing her for dad who was the high school softball and football coach.
After a distinguished athletic career at Nacogdoches High School where she led the Lady Dragon softball team to the Class 5A State Tournament, and also earned multiple District MVP, and All-State accolades as a multi-sport athlete, Coach Mac signed to play softball at SEC powerhouse
Mississippi State.
Mississippi State University
While in Starkville, Coach Mac had nothing short of a phenomenal career. She created to balance of pursuing greatness in both her athletic and academic career.
While at Mississippi State, Iyhia earned her Bachelors of Business degree with a emphasis in Marketing.
Stephen F. Austin State University
University of New England
After the tremendous academic and athletic success she continued her education serving as a Graduate Assistant for S.F.A. softball program where she obtained her Masters of Educational Leadership.
After earning her Masters of Educational Leadership, Iyhia continued her quest for knowledge earning her Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of New England where she successfully defended her dissertation in 2019 on the Lived Lives of: Single Black Mothers in Higher Educational Leadership.
My Testimony
Faith & Sport: There is Room for Both
It is to Be said "you can't let your sport become your identity" but how do you know when you do? And more importantly, how do you ensure that you are a whole player outside of your sport? That is something I struggled with. I must confess, when I was in the prime of my career, I was unable to recognize it; it wasn't until I played my last game; it hit me. Who am I outside of softball? What does my new routine look like? And how do I function in a world where the stadium is no longer chanting my name and number? The transition was hard, but it was real.
It was Junior Year at Mississippi State and I was scared. My teammate wanted me to attend FCA and I was scared because I thought saying Yes to God would me no to something else. What would he take away? What would I lose? I was training to be on the USA team, would I get cut? Would I get hurt? I thought I had to choose, but what I didn't realize is that Choosing God ignited my fire for softball and it also became clear that softball was the platform he would use for me to show how Good he really is.
The platform of softball served me well while at Mississippi State University. I was able to share my love of softball and my love for Christ, and while I am no longer playing, I continue to use this platform to spread God's love.
Physical
Strong athletes who train intentionally for strength and conditioning are not just better; they are faster and stronger performers on the field. This focused training approach enhances their overall athletic ability, enabling them to compete and achieve their goals.
-Coach Mac
Hitting is as much a mental game as it is physical. To elevate your performance from good to great, it's essential to quiet your mind and develop a personalized game plan that works not only during training but also in competitive situations. By mastering your mental approach, you can enhance your focus and confidence at the plate.
-Coach Mac
Spirtual
Hitting is a multifaceted skill that transcends just the physical and mental aspects; it encompasses a spiritual journey as well. For athletes, training to become a complete hitter means integrating faith with the game of softball. This holistic approach only enhances performance but also fosters resilience and purpose on and off the field. Embrace the journey of growth that combines belief and skill to achieve greatness in your sport.
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