Mind Over Matter: Rashad Barksdale’s Athlete-First Approach
Three years ago, former NFL player Rashad Barksdale realized a vision he had.
He founded Mind Over Matter, an athlete management company with big goals: to build genuine, trusting relationships with his athletes and help them “build a table big enough so that everyone can eat,” he told the Morning Chalk Up.
- “We want to take off as much stress as possible so they can compete to the best of their capacities,” Barksdale added of his intentions when he became an athlete manager in 2022.
The reason Barksdale is so relationship-focused stems from his brief time in the NFL. There was a real lack of genuine care between athletes and their managers, which motivated him to do things differently, he explained.
The challenge for Barksdale, though, was that no one in the CrossFit community knew who he was, so he had to start from scratch.
Regarding his personal goal for the company, Barksdale hoped that within three years, Mind Over Matter would become his full-time job.
- “But we’re about quality, not quantity. I want to make sure we’re genuinely able to care about our athletes, so they know they’re not just a number,” he said in 2022.
Where He Is Today
Three years in, Mind Over Matter isn’t yet Barksdale’s full-time job, but he has an impressive roster of both CrossFit Games and aspiring Games athletes, and he is fulfilling his promise to lead with genuine care.
Today, Barksdale features two-time Games athlete Hattie Kanyo, four-time Games competitor and recent second-place finisher at the Masters CrossFit Games, Carolyne Prevost, as well as 2020 individual Games athlete and 2025 Masters Games competitor Kristine Best.
- Other athletes he represents include Reese Littlewood, who missed qualifying for the Games by one spot at the Syndicate Crown In-Person Qualifying Event; Nina Vragovic (19th at the 2025 In-Affiliate Semifinals); Liz Wishart (33rd at the 2025 In-Affiliate Semifinals); and Lily Burkhead (52nd at the 2025 In-Affiliate Semifinals).
Barksdale calls the past three years a “journey” — full of learning, growth, and figuring out what works and what doesn’t.
- “One thing I have picked up has been learning how to adjust to different personalities, because they’re all different. No conversation is ever the same with any of the athletes I work with,” he said.
Despite the adjustments he makes with each athlete he works with, Barksdale still believes that the relationship is the most important aspect.
- “I want to make sure the number one priority for all of them is making sure I’m available for them whenever they need something. I assure all of my athletes that I have their back when it comes to making decisions,” he said.
Barksdale added: “Most importantly, it’s a priority that my athletes trust me and that I have their best interests.”
What Kanyo is Saying
Fresh off a 23rd-place finish at the recent CrossFit Games in Albany, NY, Kanyo praises Barksdale highly.
Kanyo began working with Barksdale just before the 2024 North America West Semifinals, where she earned her first spot at the CrossFit Games. She recalls that Barksdale was there for her right from the start.
- “He was like, ‘Whatever you need, I’ll get it for you,’” said Kanyo, adding that Barksdale “bends over backwards” to try to take tasks off her plate.
From driving Kanyo to the competition venues and carrying her bags, Barksdale has become part of her inner circle, beyond just being her manager, she explained.
- “And he’s all about mindset…and that’s one of the most important things in this sport…It’s probably the biggest thing in this sport. Yes, it’s a physical mother frickin sport, but when your mindset is not there, then so many things can go wrong,” she said.
That being said, the business aspect of the relationship is also essential, and Barksdale has made a significant impact, Kanyo said.
Before working with him, Kanyo was reaching out to people and companies herself, trying to land sponsorships, something that “was really scary,” she said, and it helped her develop thick skin.
Having Barksdale by her side means she no longer has to handle everything herself, and she trusts he’s working for her.
- Today, Kanyo has cash sponsorships and product deals with Engineered Nutrition, Primal Mobility, and Thirdzy thanks to Barksdale.
Furthermore, over the past two seasons, TYR has been supplying her apparel and covering her trips to the CrossFit Games.
Although Barksdale has been helpful financially, Kanyo said she appreciates most how he shows up.
- “He’s a friend. It’s not like always business…And he’s really good with communication. He’s just a really good dude, and I’m more about those vibes.”
The Big Picture
Three years into Mind Over Matter, Barksdale, who plans to expand into other sports someday, is exactly where he wants to be.
He acknowledges that the experience has been tough so far, but worthwhile.
- “The most rewarding part by far is seeing my athletes succeed and grow, accomplishing things they didn’t think were possible maybe one or two years ago,” Barksdale said. “We are capable of accomplishing more than we think. So seeing that for the athletes I work with is hands down my favorite part.”
And for anyone thinking of getting into athlete management, Barksdale offered this: “Don’t try to make yourself bigger than what you’re here to do for the athlete.”
- “Be meaningful when dealing with athletes and listen to their needs. Be trustworthy and truthful. And don’t make promises you can’t keep,” he added.
Featured image: @mindomatter22 / Instagram
