#sportpsychology

Just over a year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. The world of sports was not immune to the virus once normal life started to shut down. As we begin to reclaim our normal lives, many athletes of all ages have struggled to cope with the ripple effects of the pandemic. This podcast delves into the issues of COVID-19 and its impact on the motivation of athletes to continue training and performing, its effect on the athletic identity of the individuals, and the role a Mental Performance Coach can play in helping both athletes and coaches navigate and manage the challenges resulting from the pandemic. 

The application of sport psychology and mental conditioning is highly individualized for athletes. While some athletes take advantage of this training to help their performance, other athletes may use it to help them transition from sport to 'normal life'. This podcast features a former Division I College Football player who speaks about his experiences as a highly recruited high school football player through his opportunity to try out for an NFL team. The discussion covers the challenges of the recruiting process, the intensity of playing at the Division 1 school, the realization that a football career would be coming to an end, and the process of transitioning into a new career. 

Dr. Grayson Kimball, Program Coordinator - School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychology, offers a look into the new Sport Psychology program at Northcentral University. The discussion centers on the educational and professional experiences of Dr. Grayson Kimball, the Program Coordinator as well as the role of a mental performance consultant in the current sport psychology landscape.