Down the hallway from D.C. United’s weight room, a white door opens to a small office occupied by a two-time Olympic swimmer from Argentina who gained career inspiration from a college football coaching legend.
Inside, visitors are welcomed by a poster declaring the unofficial title of this space: “MENTAL GYM.” It features a drawing of a pink brain hovering over a gray barbell.
Alongside are three placards listing the principles of what Agustina de Giovanni aims to instill as United’s director of mental performance and culture.
While interim coach Chad Ashton and his staff oversee physical conditioning at United Performance Center in Leesburg, de Giovanni works with the players on mental aspects of both sport and daily life.