Chelsea Mills decided to take up tournament water skiing in her 20’s, most people would have said she was a decade too late. She is now ranked number 6th in the world and still improving. She is also a high level tennis coach. Her window into the world of elite sports has given her some powerful insights into the difference mindset can make.
Mindset Coach at Winning Mindset- the leading Sports Specific Mindset Training in the Country
Former Division 1 Tennis Player at Bucknell University
Former Collegiate Tennis Coach at Tufts University and UNC Charlotte
USPTA Elite Professional
USTA National Campus Coach
No.6th in the World in Elite Standings for Slalom Water skiing and multi time National Champion
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Chelsea Mills an exceptionally talented, Water Ski Champion, Mindset Coach here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, skin care, hair care and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Wellesley, Massachusetts and now live in Orlando, Florida. You studied at Wellesley High School. Later you decided to take up tournament water skiing in your 20’s, which is considered quite late, but you rose to Open Women Slalom world sixth ranked athlete in water skiing. This propelled your career as a Water-skier to the height where you have been at the top of the world. Tell us more about this professional journey of yours in the field of waterskiing that you have achieved by your hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Chelsea Mills:
For some reason in my crazy mind, I always knew I’d be a professional water skier. Don’t ask me how I knew this, it was a premonition of sorts. I honestly stumbled upon competition waterskiing. After 4 years of college tennis, it was time for a change. I bought a ski on overtons.com without a lake, a boat, or anyone to ski with. Searching online I found a group of guys who wanted a female to ski with (surprise surprise!). I reached out and they happened to be course skiers.
When I showed up and saw all the buoys I was like “can we drive away from them so that I don’t’ hit them!?” The answer was no that the lake was too short and that was the longest path. Sure enough I kept hitting the buoys and this turned into me getting so annoyed that I started trying the course. One thing led to another and I met a lot of the right people in the sport. Thankfully I was taught solid fundamentals. I’m a visual learner, so I took (and still do) an insane amount of video. I could see right away what I was doing wrong. Early days in my skiing I was influenced by world renowned coaches such as Jack Travers, Andy Mapple, and Chet Raley.
In my first 3 years of skiing I went out the front nearly every set and for sure every tournament set. I won Nationals in my age division in my 3rd year of skiing. By the end of my 3rd year I ran my first 38 (11m). I was excelling quickly and achieved an open rating.
While my practice scores were good here and there, I had a hard time being consistent because I had little understanding of skiing and tournaments were cut throat in a way I had never experienced before. I played Division 1 tennis in college, and while that was insanely competitive, there was nothing to prepare me for the ruthlessness of tournament waterskiing. No warm up? What?? No second chance? I’m confused. That ability has taken a while, I’d say right up until this year.
Namita Nayyar:
One of the highlights of your career is your winning the women’s slalom title at the 2021 San Gervasio Pro-Am at San Gervasio, Italy. Tell us more about this exceptional achievement?
Chelsea Mills:
For sure this was the highlight of my ski career. I really feel that things changed for me this year. I moved to Florida, started skiing with Kris and Jen Lapoint. I told Jen I wanted her to work on my mind, and make me tough on the water. Kris became my technique and coach. Kris is also the best in the business regarding ski setup. Having these 2 halls of famers/ world record holders in my corner, my skiing took off.
In Italy I was on top of my game. I was skiing better than I ever had before in my life before I left. I had never traveled abroad so I really looked at it like “I’m going to see Italy, and while I’m there, I’ll ski this tournament. I think this relaxed mindset helped me at this event. I was able to secure the top seed in the prelims, and I knew this was critical to the head to head. The stars aligned that day and I am thankful I came out with my first pro victory.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
You must have many memories and experiences as a water skier winning different competitions. Share some such experiences which are precious to you and embedded in your heart.
Chelsea Mills:
One of my favorite memories was when I won Nationals in Idaho in 2016 and my dad was there to watch. Having my dad on the shore was so meaningful to me. He is one of my biggest supporters. Another big moment was when I broke the NC State record. To me, this was a big deal because the record was held by April Coble. A pro skier and coach that I looked up to in my early years of skiing. Qualifying and skiing in my first Masters this year and finishing 5th was incredible, as well as skiing in my first World Championships at the age of 38. I’m competing with kids almost half my age! Thankfully, I still feel like I’m 20.
Namita Nayyar:
You won the third annual 2018 Queens Cup at Little Mountain Lakes near Charlotte, N.C. What traits do you consider as a water skier led to this meteoritic rise in the sport of waterskiing?
Chelsea Mills:
This is another head to head style format. I’m a super competitive person. I just thought about getting through one round, one competitor at a time. I always try to stay in the moment that I’m in. I find this to be so critical in competitions. It’s so easy to get ahead of you out there, so I have tricks that bring me back centered and in the moment.
Namita Nayyar:
Elaborate about your training for water skiing. What has been the catalyst to drive you from within, your competitive urge to move against all these odds to come out victorious and achieve a World sixth ranking?
Chelsea Mills:
I’m not sure that’s something you can bottle up and name. Is it passion? Obsession? I don’t know. Something inside me says I could be the best in the world if I just figure out a couple of things. I’m sure all the girls in the top 10 believe that. You have to.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Chelsea Mills:
I try to work hard in the off-season and I mainly just ski in season. This is actually something I’m looking to change. In the past I have done cross fit, which I believe made me stronger and more confident than ever, but it really burned up my central nervous system for skiing. I’m on a quest this year to find the right thing.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Chelsea Mills:
I eat the same breakfast every day: cinnamon raisin English muffin with natural peanut butter and 2 coffees with heavy whipping cream. Lunch is usually an apple or bar or both. I like to train when I feel light, so having a meal at lunch just doesn’t work for me. I switch dinner up quite a bit but most of the times try to limit carbs and stick with protein and veggies.
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine, especially in the salty sea breeze.
Chelsea Mills:
Ha! Well I’m the most low maintenance chick on the planet, so it’s not complicated. I use Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner. I really don’t have a skincare routine other than that I wash it with clean and clear.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding water skier, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of waterskiing?
Chelsea Mills:
Listen to everyone but don’t actually do what everyone says. Only some things will work for you. When you find one, make sure it’s a priority and work on it until you OWN it. Then move on to the next thing.
You can’t get better working on something different every set. It’s never too late to start skiing. If you want to improve bad enough, you need to ski a LOT, in the rain, when it’s cold, when you don’t feel like it, and you can’t ever have a set that is unfocused. Video everything and learn how to be your own best positive self-coach.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you have a cheat meal diet, once in a while? What do you enjoy eating the most?
Chelsea Mills:
Got to love a good burger and fries too- mushroom Swiss burger and truffle fries to be exact.
Namita Nayyar:
Five water ski locations you like the most.
Chelsea Mills:
Lapoint Ski Park (Orlando Florida)- the best people in the sport, family atmosphere. Trophy Lakes (Charleston SC) – super fun and relaxed atmosphere, great coaching, Charleston food! Saranac Lake (NY) open water course in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains. Rosewater (Montana) – most beautiful in the US. Ski Nautico Trento (Italy) – gorgeous and surrounded by mountains.
Namita Nayyar:
Tell us five athleisure brands you love to wear?
Chelsea Mills:
LuluLemon- my favorite, Athleta, Title Nine, Nike, On (shoes)
Namita Nayyar:
Five water ski accessories you always carry with you?
Chelsea Mills:
Tools! Yes I’m a girl who can change her own fin and you should be too. Spiky roller- to roll on before I ski. Yeti full of my special Thorne Electrolyte drink. GoPro Camera and mount for the pylon. It’s a 10 hair spray- my hair is always in knots after I ski and this stuff is amazing! Wet (brand) brush – to get out said knots. Sorry that was 6.
Namita Nayyar:
Five favorite destinations you wish to travel to?
Chelsea Mills:
Australia- Moomba is on my bucket list. Switzerland, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Surf in Hawaii, and Vancouver.
Namita Nayyar:
You have studied Sports Management at Northeastern University and studied Psychology at Bucknell University. You are a Sports Mindset Coach at Winning Mindset. Tell us more about this endeavor of yours?
Chelsea Mills:
I’ve always been interested in sports psychology and the mindset that creates champions. I’ve been studying it in some form or another since college. I found Winning Mindset in my own research of the subject, and loved their material. When I reached out, they were interested in taking on another coach and I jumped at the chance. Our program is something I wished I had had when I was growing up.
It is truly comprehensive and incredible insight for any athlete at any level. We focus on the categories of mental toughness, relaxing under pressure, confidence, aggressiveness, clarity, goal setting, and self-knowledge. The program is all video/phone coaching so I have athletes all over the country. Our team has over 50 coaches. We are the largest sports-specific mindset training company in the world. We have specific programs for each sport whether it is skiing, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, hockey, you name it. If you are interested in learning more you can check out our website at www.zwinningmindset.com.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and the message for its visitors?
Chelsea Mills:
A great place for women to get entertainment, health and beauty tips, and be inspired.
Namita Nayyar:
Today social media plays a vital role in putting your message across to your followers and fans. What is your message for your followers on Instagram?
Chelsea Mills:
I hope to be a humble athlete that has a balanced life of not just sports but friends, family, and thankfulness to God for it all.
Chelsea Mills Social Media Presence
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cheltenniski/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.mills.900/
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness