If you’re looking for a sport psychologist – a mental performance coach – a licensed counselor who understands the challenges of being a student athlete and who can help develop a complete mental game plan, you’re in the right place!
My love for sport psychology began as a collegiate athlete. I was first introduced to this field as a freshman softball player. I was adapting to college life, a new team, and a new coaching style. AND I was struggling for the first time in my athletic career.
After going 0-6 at the plate in my first two games, I met with a sport psychologist. I didn’t even know it was a thing! Seriously, what a difference! I used the imagery and self-talk skills she explained and I was back on track and went on to have a record breaking season.
My athletic career wasn’t all smooth sailing. After that year, I transferred to a new university and suffered an elbow injury (and subsequent surgery) that left me unable to throw for the remainder of my athletic career. Yes, a softball player who was unable to throw. It’s as difficult as it seems! Working through an injury and rehabilitation, a limited role on the team, and balancing my off the field commitments and aspirations, which included staying active in my academic field of psychology and preparing for graduate school, was a challenge to say the least.
I successfully achieved my graduate school goals and I hold masters and doctoral degrees, in Counseling Psychology and Sport Psychology. I then went on to have a 13-year career as a professor. I taught psychology, counseling, and sport and exercise psychology courses, developed and directed a master’s program geared for a future sport psychologist, conducted research, and advised/mentored hundreds of students and student athletes on psychology and life. I am a licensed clinician in MO, KS, & CO and I’ve earned Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) status through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, which is currently the gold standard for applied sport psychology professionals.
During my time as a professor, it was not uncommon for my office to be a regular stop for student athletes looking for a sport psychologist. Collegiate athletes face a number of challenges. They knew that I understood this and therefore sought out advice along the way. I saw many student athletes rise to the challenge academically and athletically while some student athletes didn’t fare as well. As a professor, while I had the techniques to help and could often provide some support, I was limited in what I could offer due to my role.
Because of my background as an athlete and professor, I understand the system, but I’m not part of the system. This is key. Coaches, athletic trainers, and other athletic staff are invaluable resources, but can only do so much when it comes to the mental game, adjusting to college, and the skills needed to maintain academic involvement and achievement while excelling in their sport. No matter how comfortable an athlete may be with their coach, they’re probably not going to say “Hey coach, I’ve been struggling with my confidence lately.” Coaches have a different role and often a different goal. That’s where I come in!
I’m super pumped to have recently been selected as the sport psychology provider for the Kansas City Current. If you’re in KC, I recommend catching a them in National Women’s Soccer League match soon!
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I’m married to Wade. We met in college where he played baseball and I played softball (awww, I know). We have two sons who are amazing (and who are at the ages where they would rather I not talk much about them). We have three awesome dogs who make our family complete. In our spare time, we enjoy sports, being outdoors, and renovating homes. We have lived in 9 houses in 20 years and recently renovated a 100+ year old home. Always something new & exciting with our family!
