Keith Mercer

Mentality Expert

We Weren’t Born to Be Average

Committed to helping athletes develop skill as players and leaders, to excel in the classroom, the community and in life. These are the cornerstones to his foundation of coaching and leadership.

Keith Mercer is a former standout college athlete committed to helping athletes develop skills as players and leaders, excel in the classroom, the community and in life through personal development workshops and one-on-one training.

Key areas of expertise include leadership effectiveness, Building effective teams, mentoring, mental toughness, conflict resolution, overcoming adversity, and diversity and inclusion. Keith focuses on the importance of character, resilience, leadership, and self-motivation. Mercer inspires his athletes and teams to the next level through effective coaching and personal development techniques.

Mercer was born in Washington D.C. and attended High School in Bladensburg MD. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and Family Sciences from UNL where he also received a minor in Psychology and Sociology. Mercer was part of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football championship team in 1993. 

Raised in Southeast Washington D.C/ Capitol Heights,MD. Mercer is able to draw from his own personal experience of growing up in an underprivileged and dangerous neighborhood to deliver dynamic messages that resonate with children and adults alike. Mercer had big goals and dreams at an early age. Despite growing up in a neighborhood where drugs, poverty, and violence were commonplace, he didn’t let his circumstances define his future.. Mercer uses these experiences to speak to corporations, educational institutions, and at community events  to inspire, motivate peak performance, increase self-efficacy, and team development. 

Today, Mercer owns and operates Mercer Elite Athletic Academy teaching athletes the skills needed to excel in all sports and has made it his life's work to help student-athletes become the best version of themselves on and off the field. Mercer also operates Mercer Elite Academy, a 501(3) © non-profit entity, which aims to serve communities and underprivileged youth. The Mercer Elite is “We Weren’t Born to Be Average.” Mercer’s vision is for all individuals he encounters to have a brighter outlook on their future and begin to believe they can do anything they set their minds to.

Education

  • University of Nebraska Lincoln (1995)

  • Bachelor of Science, Major Human Resources and Family Science, Minors in Psychology and Sociology

Certifications

  • Level II Certified USA Weightlifting Coach

  • CPR and AED

  • Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist

  • Inclusive Leadership

  • Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  • Unconscious Bias

  • Leadership Mindsets

Accolades

  • Nebraska Cornhusker Football Champion team 1993 

  • Professional Football Athlete - Omaha Beef 2000-2004

  • Junior College All-Star

  • Junior College All Conference

  • Junior College Champion

  • Junior College Coastal Conference North-South

  • High School All-American

  • Who's Who all American QB and safety

  • Greats of ‘88

  • 50-yard line selection show

  • Big 33 selection

Community Award

  • Ten Year Public Service Award - State of Nebraska