The mind also plays a role: Juan Montoya, sports psychologist for América de Cali

Juan Montoya is a psychologist specializing in sports psychology. He studied at the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia (UPTC) and completed his specialization and master's degree at El Bosque University. With over 22 years of experience in the sports field, he has worked with high-performance and elite athletes. He also had experience in professional soccer in 2011 and collaborated with sports training schools in Cali.

Originally from Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, he spent his childhood in La Pila and, over the years, his career has taken him to different places. He is currently affiliated with our institution, which he has always followed with passion and which inspired him to specialize in sports psychology.

His passion for sports psychology

From the beginning, Juan Montoya sought a way to combine his love of sports with his interest in psychology. When he graduated in 2002, sports psychology in Colombia was not as developed as it is today. Fortunately, El Bosque University opened the first specialization program in this field, allowing him to delve into the discipline.

His work has focused not only on professional practice but also on teaching, training new generations of sports psychologists. Since January 3rd of this year, he has been officially affiliated with América de Cali.

A childhood love for America de Cali

Montoya's connection to América de Cali dates back to his childhood. From the age of five, his mother and grandmother, fervent fans of the team, instilled in him a passion for the "Red Devils." He remembers how his mother even paid for masses and lit red candles so that the team would win. "Being here is a dream come true," he said.

His work in America de Cali

As a sports psychologist, Montoya conducts fieldwork and is part of the club's biomedical department. His work focuses on training the players' mental skills. Initially, he performed assessments to identify areas for improvement in each athlete, strengthening both individual and team aspects.

Each day of the week is organized to work with different groups within the team: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Individual sessions are also held to strengthen mental skills such as self-confidence, focus, emotional control, and decision-making.

The analysis during the matches

During the sessions, Montoya focuses on analyzing the players' behavior and emotions. His goal is to observe how they respond to the training sessions and identify areas that need adjustment.

Beyond individual performance, his work also focuses on reinforcing the team's identity, promoting a winning attitude and a distinctive style that represents the greatness of América de Cali.

Working with the players in our Youth Academy

Footballers who come through the youth ranks already have a foundation in sports psychology. However, the transition to professional football involves greater demands and changes in habits. Some adapt quickly, while others require closer support.

Montoya is responsible for accelerating this transition process, helping them to consolidate their competitive and professional mindset.

Self-talk and its importance in athletic performance

One of the fundamental tools in sports psychology is self-talk. Every day, athletes have internal conversations that influence their performance. Strengthening positive self-talk is key to confidence, motivation, and decision-making under pressure.

Juan Montoya plays a crucial role at América de Cali, contributing to the mental development of the players and helping to build a strong team in all aspects of the game.

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