"In order to build an elite athletic program, you need elite student-athletes, more importantly, elite leaders. Joel Pelland’s student-athlete leadership workshop provides a blueprint that affords each student-athlete an opportunity to pursue their own eliteness. Just imagine when every student-athlete and his/her family commits to pursuing eliteness…How elite will your entire athletic program become? The simple answer is to give Joel Pelland an opportunity to change the mindset of your student-athletes and athletic community, and you’ll see for yourself." D'wyane Bates- Athletic director at Glenbard East High School/Former NFL player

"Joel Pelland is one of the brightest young coaches in the state of Illinois. Under coach Pelland's leadership, players participate in an environment that fosters growth and maturity on and off the field." Paul Belo President of the IHSBCA

"Joel Pelland is a remarkable public speaker who has the ability to connect and engage audiences of all kinds. He is passionate, enthusiastic, and well-spoken. He has a certain presence that inspires you and makes you want to hear what he has to say. Joel recently officiated our wedding and captivated the audience, and my wife and I, with his heartfelt, but also humorous and insightful words. It was an incredible day with many, many memories, but our most received compliments were directed at Joel's ceremony and how he touched them. I've seen Joel speak to students, athletes, and coaches, and he is equally effective in those environments. He can be motivational, and he can challenge your thinking. Regardless of the topic, you always leave feeling like you are better for having listened to him. "
-Andrew Schultz Glenbard West Baseball Coach-


"I have had the pleasure of seeing Joel speak multiple times in front of a variety of audiences. He is full of energy, passionate and a consummate professional. His custom messages whether it be to athletes, parents, families or organizations has left a lasting impression on all who have crossed his path. As I continue my professional career if I am part of another company or organization that could use his help, I would definitely look to hire him because he has very relevant, topical and progressive messages to share”  
​- Dan, Chicago IL

Hey Coach,
       We really got a lot as a program from your presentation.  Our student-athletes have a much better understanding of the power of the word "yet."  They've responded with a great deal of motivation to improve the best version of themselves as ballplayers and students since seeing you speak.  All of the information you covered was completely applicable to our level and the situations we face every day as student athletes.
       In addition to being very useful information, it was presented very professionally and in a relatable manner.  There were no slow spots, we were captivated the whole time, and it appeared you had an easy time keeping our attention (which in my experiences with our players is not an easy thing for most people).
       I will be using a great deal of this information to remind our student athletes this year of the importance of persistence and having a growth mindset.  And I plan to use it with future groups of student athletes in years to come. 
       Again, thank you so much for your time and energy.  Your presentation made a huge impact on the development of 40 young men who will benefit greatly from it.

Kevin Tyrrell
Head Baseball Coach
College of Dupage

"Helping adults put words to what motivates them is a difficult job. Helping middle school students do that is an even more formidable task. Joel made it look like a cinch. The second Joel started his presentation the energy in the room shifted. He immediately established rapport with the students, and got everyone on the same page. Joel is clearly skilled at adapting to his audience. He was able to make the oldest students feel like they were being challenged, while still speaking the language of the younger students; and all of them were having a blast. Laughter was abundant through each activity and their faces lit up when he got them talking to each other about their passions.
 
Joel’s encouraging manner and words of understanding inspired the students to trust him as he guided them through this process. We had students coming up to us after Joel’s presentation asking when they could come back for more. We loved seeing the way his workshop impacted these young people, and could not be more grateful for Joel’s expertise and enthusiasm. It really is something special when a presentation intended for middle school students manages to inspire your adult team as well."
Hannah Fiedler, Link Together Coalition, OMNI Youth Services