The Mental Achievement Program (MAP)

Founded on Expertise & Trust
EXACT was established in 1997 by renowned neuropsychologist and professor, Dr. Ralph Tarter—a pioneer in understanding the mental game of sports. Our legacy is built on over 20 years of unwavering commitment to athlete development.

• Trusted Since Day One:
  • Partnered with elite organizations including the U.S. Soccer National Team, NHL, MLB, and MLS teams.
  • Recognized as the number one mental training partner for colleges (NCAA, NAIA, JUCO) worldwide.
• Deep Roots in Academia & Practice:
  • Our methods combine rigorous academic research with real-world coaching insights.
  • Esteemed collegiate programs (University of Illinois, Northwestern, UNC) rely on our expertise.
• Proven Track Record:
  • Thousands of college, high school, and youth athletes have benefited from our innovative assessments.

Our legacy isn’t just about longevity—it’s about the measurable impact on athletes’ lives and the trust that leaders across sports have placed in us.

A Foundation of Scientific Excellence
At EXACT, scientific rigor is more than a buzzword—it’s our blueprint for success. Our research is backed by substantial funding and robust academic partnerships.

• Major Funding Milestones:
  • $1MM+ in NIH Funding: A testament to our innovative approach and trusted methodologies.
  • NCAA Research Grants: Endorsing our commitment to advancing sports performance science.
• Peer-Reviewed Publications & Impactful Research:
  • Dive into our groundbreaking NCAA research conducted in collaboration with leaders like Dr. Jay Martin.
  • Explore our NIH-funded project and our detailed General Manager Toolbox manuscript outlining predictive success factors.
• Industry Influence:
  • Articles such as Mental Impact in the Pros showcase how our research shapes decision-making at the highest levels of sports.

Our extensive research not only validates the MAP’s effectiveness but also continuously pushes the boundaries of what data-driven insights can achieve in athlete development.

In Collaboration with the Best in Sports
EXACT’s strength comes from our deep-rooted partnerships with some of the most respected names in sports. Our tools are trusted by professionals who demand the highest standards.

• Professional League Collaborations:
  • Serving NHL teams since 2007, MLB teams since 2010, and supporting the U.S. Soccer National Team with behavioral insights.
• Collegiate Excellence:
  • Working closely with NCAA, NAIA, and JUCO institutions, we help shape the next generation of athletic stars.
• Influential Endorsements:
  • Leaders like UNC Women’s Soccer’s Anson Dorrance and Dr. Jay Martin (OWU) stand behind the effectiveness of our approach.
• Real-World Application:
  • Our MAP is not just a tool—it’s a critical component of elite training camps, showcases, and performance programs across the nation.

These partnerships affirm that when it comes to unlocking an athlete’s potential, the best in the business turn to EXACT.

Precision, Validation, and Objectivity at Every Step
The Mental Achievement Program is the result of meticulous research and rigorous testing. Designed by top experts, every aspect of the MAP is engineered for precision and reliability.

• Methodical Development:
  • 208 Carefully Crafted Questions: Each is designed to assess specific behavioral traits essential for athletic success.
  • Collaboration with Elite Coaches & PhDs: Our questions were honed with input from experienced sports professionals and academic experts.
• Robust Validation Processes:
  • Multiple Validity Checks: Our system flags inconsistencies, impression management, and carelessness to ensure honest responses.
  • Statistical Rigor: Utilizing methods such as Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA) to verify that each trait is accurately measured.
• Actionable Data:
  • Scores are calibrated against extensive peer data, providing coaches with clear, objective insights into an athlete’s strengths and areas for growth.

The MAP’s scientific rigor guarantees that every assessment is a reliable, unbiased window into an athlete’s potential—empowering coaches to make informed, data-backed decisions.

Empowering Youth Athletes to “Go Mental”
Our mission is simple yet transformative: to harness the mental aspects of performance to elevate youth athletes both on and off the field.

• Holistic Development:
  • We focus on the traits that matter—leadership, persistence, reaction to coaching, and more—to build well-rounded athletes.
• Empowering Coaches:
  • With MAP’s objective data, you can move beyond personal opinion and develop tailored strategies that nurture every athlete’s growth.
• Measurable Impact:
  • For over 15 years, EXACT has helped thousands of athletes unlock their full potential, supporting a community that values both performance and personal well-being.
• A Future of Innovation:
  • Our annual reset of the MAP ensures that you always have access to the most current data, reflecting ongoing advancements in sports science.
• A Call to Excellence:
  • When you join EXACT, you’re not just adopting a tool—you’re joining a movement that has reshaped youth sports through scientific innovation and heartfelt commitment.

At EXACT, our mission goes beyond assessments—it’s about building a legacy of excellence that supports every athlete’s journey to success.