College of Education, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion Sport and Exercise Psychology (M.S.)

Applied Track Curriculum (Core courses)

Total Hours (minimum): 39

The applied curriculum aims to prepare students for professional certifications and careers (e.g., sport and performance consultant, coaching, master resilience trainer, strength and conditioning coach, academic advisor, etc.) in applied sport and exercise psychology. In addition to a (minimum) 300-hour supervised internship, students in the applied track will complete graduate coursework in various professional fields related to sport and exercise psychology, including counseling psychology, sport leadership, and exercise science. Students in the applied curriculum will be required to sit for written and oral comprehensive examinations.

View the Applied Track Curriculum

Students in the applied track will have the opportunity to choose from various approved internship sites and settings, allowing them to build a foundation in applied sport and exercise psychology/mental skills training. A certified consultant with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CMPC) will supervise all internships, preparing students for CMPC designation post-graduation.

Possible internship opportunities include:

• Performance Psychology Consultant:
  • NCAA Division I, II, III schools
  • Lexington Sporting Club
    • USL League One (Men’s Professional)
    • USL Super League (Women’s Professional)
    • Boys and Girls Youth Academy
  • NAIA schools
  • Collegiate Club Sports
  • Kentucky High School Athletics Association
  • Performing Arts
    • Life Skills Coordinator positions at major NCAA institutions
    • Performance enhancement specialist at a Military Performance Enhancement Center
    • Local community organizations (e.g., YMCA)
    • Behavioral Health Consultant – Student rec center/Wellness Program
    • Performance Enhancement Specialist at major sports facilities (e.g., IMG Academies)
    • Local coaching workshops
    • Local marathons or athletic events

Research Track Curriculum (Core courses)

Total Hours (minimum): 39

The research curriculum is recommended for students who intend to continue their education at the doctoral level and/or pursue a career in academia. Students in the research track are encouraged to register for an upper-level research and statistics course and will complete a master’s thesis on an original topic related to the psychological aspects of sport and/or physical activity. Students following the research curriculum will be required to sit for an oral defense of their thesis project. In some cases, students in the research track may pursue limited applied experiences (e.g., co-consulting, shadowing, etc.) at the discretion of the program faculty.

View the Research Track Curriculum

Students entering the research track will complete an empirically-based thesis project that will allow students to further their knowledge in a research topic that interests them. Each thesis is expected to explore an original research idea to be submitted for conference presentation, publication in an empirical journal, and/or lead to future dissertation research topics

Hometown: Nassau, The Bahamas

Educational Background: 

Minnesota State University, Mankato

B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Health Communication

Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Statistics

2020-2023

Current Degree: M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Research Track

Funding: Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship

About Me: 

I’m a second-year graduate student, born and raised in The Bahamas. I completed my undergraduate education at Minnesota State University, Mankato where I studied Psychology and also competed on the women’s track and field team. While at MSU, I served as the chairman of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). I also completed research on cultural competency within undergraduate student communities and worked as a player development intern for the men’s football team where I became fascinated with sport psychology and its instrumental role in high performance sports. 

Outside of the classroom, I am actively involved in the Bahamian athletic community where I host training camps, educational sessions, and am currently serving as a coaching consultant for a high school track team. I have also partnered with the Bahamas Olympic Committee along with local athlete rehabilitation centers to continue to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of using sport and exercise psychology as a catalyst for athlete development. I aim to take my mission “think, learn, develop” to pursue research, build bridges, and become an advocate for black women in sports.  

At UK, I am a Lyman T. Johnson Fellow, and serve as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chair of the SEP club, focusing on using my platform for inclusive excellence and community outreach. Additionally, I am the performance consultant intern for the UK men’s and women’s XC and track and field program. As a former collegiate athlete, along with my experience in player development, I recognize the impact of effective leadership on team dynamics and athlete performance, which has inspired research for my current thesis. In turn, I am fascinated with learning new techniques and best fit practices that can benefit coaches, athletes, and supporting staff in operating as one unit. My passion for innovation has made it possible for me to present research at conferences, panels, and fairs while also embracing the art of being a lifelong learner. After graduating, I plan on completing my CMPC, and pursuing a PhD in a field related to Sport Psychology or Kinesiology. Eventually, I will become the first Bahamian Sport Psychologist, and I hope to use the skills I have learned throughout my academic tenure to educate and guide athletes from different backgrounds.

Hometown: Orlando, Fl

Educational Background: B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sports Media, The University of Alabama 

Current Degree: M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Research Track

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion (First Aid and Emergency Care)

About Me: I am currently a second-year graduate student on the research track. I am originally from Orlando, Florida but I attended undergrad at The University of Alabama where I obtained my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in sports media. During my time at Alabama I was in the Psychology Honors program where I completed a two-year masters equivalent thesis on decision-making capacity in Alzheimer’s Disease descendants under cognitive psychologist, Dr. Sheila Black. I also worked in Dr. Katie Garrison’s lab studying the connections between emotion, cognition, and motivation in self-control. Finally, I worked as a manager for the 10x National Champion Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.

Since attending UK, I have worked with athletes and artists through my internship sites with UK Cheerleading, UK School of Music, and SCAPA at Bluegrass. I have also worked as the Membership Intern for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).With influence from my time with Alabama Adapted Athletics and my experience working for the NWBA, I am completing a research thesis on The Perceptions of Sport Psychology Services and Access in Disability Sport.

Through my work with performers and musicians, along with my experience working with athletes with disabilities, I have developed a passion for expanding the traditional landscape of sport psychology. I love working with “non-traditional” populations within sport psychology and finding new and innovative interventions to use with these populations. I plan to continue this in my doctoral studies and find ways to expand the current literature within the field to make sport psychology a more inclusive space. After completing my degree at the University of Kentucky, I plan to pursue my PhD while obtaining my CMPC. My long term goal is to continue my passion of expanding sport psychology to less traditional populations, possibly working as a sport psychologist throughout the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee providing mental health and mental performance assistance for Paralympic Team USA athletes or working in fine arts with a touring show or a ballet company. 

Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina

Educational Background: B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Exercise/Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Current Degree: 

M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track 

About Me: I am currently a first-year graduate student on the applied track. I am from Greensboro, North Carolina and went to school for undergrad an hour away from home at UNC-Chapel Hill. I loved my time at UNC and started my undergrad wanting to obtain my bachelors degree in Psychology, but as I spent time in psychology classes and attending sporting events at UNC, I realized I wanted to become more focused in psychology by specifically working towards a long term goal of being a Sport Psychologist. In efforts to achieve this long term goal, I added a second major and got a bachelor of arts in Exercise/Sport Science along with my degree in psychology. I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Aiden Chauntry and Dr. Erik Hanson as a research assistant during my last two years at UNC. I worked in an exercise science lab on a study investigating the relationship between sedentary behavior and the cardiovascular disease risks associated with it. I was able to complete individual research examining the relationship between sedentary behavior and psychological stress while contributing to the larger study in my senior year. All of these experiences alongside the courses I was taking helped grow my interest in the field of Sport Psychology.

Here at UK, I am excited for the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with athletes in different sports. I have not been here for long, but I have enjoyed hearing the second year students talking about their internships working with athletes through group workshops and individual sessions. My goal after completing my degree here at UK is to feel more comfortable and competent with talking to the athletes and doing what I can to improve their mental performance. My long term goal to be a sport psychologist may require more school in the form of a PhD or a second masters degree, but I may find work after this degree and work towards my goal through that path. I am not certain which path I will take after these two years, but currently am excited for the opportunities that this program provides and am confident in the jobs and/or other programs this will set me up for in the future.

Hometown: 

Northford, CT

Educational Background: 

B.S., Sport Management

B.S., Psychology, Minor in Spanish

Current Degree: 

M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

Funding: Graduate Assistantship - Integrated Success Coach, Department of Transformative Learning

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student from Northford, CT. I graduated with two Bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University in 2024, and while attending FSU, I was a member of the Sport Management Student Association and Alpha Gamma Delta; I also interned with FSU athletics. My best experience in college was studying abroad in Spain and London, where we took classes in international sport and immersed ourselves in European sport culture. Outside of the classroom, I love watching football, F1, and New York sports, as well as golfing and running with my dog.

My love for sport started with dance; over those 15 years, I learned about myself, my passions, and most importantly, how impactful sports are for people of all backgrounds. Having the chance to then study sport management at FSU ultimately helped me realize my passion for sport psychology. I believe that sport is the most influential force in society, and it is important to treat athletes as such in order for the power of sport to be used positively. So far while at UK, I have had the chance to support those beliefs and my passion for sport psychology by presenting at multiple conferences, working with D1 & professional athletes, and developing a path toward my career goals that includes earning the CMPC credential and working in the applied field. 

Hometown: Hampstead, NH

Educational Background: B.A. Psychology and Political Science

Current Degree: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

Funding: Commencement Graduate Assistant, Office of University Events

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student from New Hampshire. I completed my undergraduate education here at UK, earning a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science. My interest in psychology developed through my experiences as a competitive equestrian and while working with clients as a personal trainer. I came to recognize that the human mind can be a major limiting factor for many people in pursuing their goals in both sports and fitness, which inspired me to learn how to help others overcome these challenges. I also observed in my own journey and through my clients’ experiences that developing mental skills in sports and fitness can positively influence other areas of life. This discovery made me realize that pursuing a career in sport psychology would be the most impactful and rewarding way for me to help others.

I plan to remain involved in fitness so I can use the knowledge I will gain through this program to continue helping clients with their health and fitness goals. I also intend to earn my CMPC, with the aim of working with individual athletes and specializing in equestrian athletes. Additionally, I plan to continue working on research, focusing on topics such as coaching behaviors and emotional abuse in equestrian sports. 

Hometown: Acworth, GA 

Educational Background: B.A. Psychology, Minor in Leadership, University of North Georgia (2024)

Current Degree: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

Internship Sites: UK Women’s Tennis, UK Women’s Golf, Henry Clay High School Women’s Basketball, and Lexington Sporting Club Women’s

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student from Acworth, Georgia. I attended the University of North Georgia, where I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in leadership while also competing in Division II soccer. Through my struggles with injuries and other obstacles I faced as a collegiate athlete, I discovered the importance and need for sport psychology. Having the tools to create the proper mental climate can make such a difference, and I want to be a part of that difference. 

Now, at UK, I am able to connect my personal experiences with the proper knowledge of the field to deepen my understanding and appreciation. I am currently a TA in the life fitness department and am excited to use what I have learned to help other athletes who are facing similar obstacles. My next steps are to build experience working for the US Armed Forces, obtain my CMPC, and eventually pursue private practice to work with injured athletes and athletes of different skill levels.

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Educational Background: B.A. Psychology, Minor in Coaching, 

University of Kentucky (2024) 

Current Degree: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

Funding: none

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student from Nashville, TN. I came to UK as a freshman and completed my Bachelor’s degree in three years. I added my minor in coaching my sophomore year of college after I spent my first summer back at home coaching my old high school team. I worked for the Kentucky Volleyball program for four years where I started off as a manager and have made my way into the Graduate Assistant position. This year I have stepped away from volleyball to focus solely on my applied internship in the program. I intern at Asbury University with multiple women’s sports, holding individual sessions and team workshops on a weekly basis. Through my time there, I have had the privilege of forming relationships with athletes and coaches to help further their success through mental performance. 

I have been a part of sports as long as I can remember, and my time as an athlete and GA has shown me how passionate I am about athlete’s development physically and mentally. I have experienced and seen a lot of psychological stress through sports and I am excited to learn how to help athletes overcome these challenges themselves. While the mental side of sports performance is actively growing, I believe there is still a significant gap that needs to be closed, especially at the high school level. 

My next steps are to obtain my CMPC and hopefully take my degree back to the high school volleyball setting. It is here that I want to help these girls recognize the connection between the mental and physical aspects of sport to reach their highest athletic potential. I believe there are way too many high school athletes who don’t know what they are capable of because the mental performance stressors hold them back.

Hometown: Calabasas, CA

Educational Background: B.S. In Psychology at Indiana University

Current Degree: M.S in Sport and Exercise Psychology - Applied Track

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student from Calabasas, California. I graduated this past May from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, where I also competed on Indiana’s collegiate water polo team. Through these experiences, I began to really understand what was important to me. 

Throughout my journey of playing water polo, I had countless injuries that put me through many difficulties but also taught me resiliency. From a young age, I was more passionate about sports than anything else, but Psychology became a discipline I wanted to pursue throughout my collegiate career. Being a student athlete was an exhilarating experience that helped me understand many aspects of performance, which are pillars of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Recognizing that these were the experiences that shaped me into who I am today, it drove my passion to help other athletes get through every breakdown, every lost game, and every comeback from injury.

I am specifically interested in providing more opportunities and accessible performance training resources for student athletes. I am also particularly interested in working with para athletes, focusing on the different challenges faced by athletes with disabilities compared to able-bodied athletes. I plan to work towards becoming a CMPC while at UK, and I hope for a future where I can foster enjoyment and growth in athletes of all ages. I would potentially want to work for the Paralympic Committee and provide mental performance coaching for the United States Paralympic Team; however, I am keeping an open mind to other areas such as military or collegiate sports.

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Educational Background: B.S. Psychology,  University of Pittsburgh

Current Degree:  M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student from Kansas City, MO. I recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Sports were an integral part of my undergraduate experience, as I was a sprinter on the track & field team. My academic background prepared me for further study in Sport and Exercise Psychology, as I completed a wide range of relevant courses during undergrad. 

Through both triumphs and challenges during my athletic career, my background in track & field heavily inspired me to pursue a career in sport and exercise psychology. Having competed at an elite level for 13 years, I often wish I had been more aware of this field during my athletic career. I am particularly interested in increasing access to mental performance training for athletes from diverse backgrounds and plan to work toward earning my CMPC certification during my time at UK. I envision a future where I help athletes strengthen their mental skills and overall well-being while maintaining their love for sport and activity. While I currently have a strong interest in supporting collegiate athletes both during their sport experience and as they transition beyond it, my aspirations are constantly evolving, and I am keeping an open mind to exploring other avenues such as the military and performing arts.

Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI

Educational Background: B.A. in Psychology - University of Michigan

Current Degree: M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistantship - Life Fitness (KHP)

Internship Sites: Lexington Sporting Club, Asbury University, and Lexington Christian Academy

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student. Growing up in the shadow of the Big House, I developed an instant love for sport and physical activity, and spent every second of free-time outside and running around. I have always experienced a strong passion for the physical pursuit of peak performance, but playing high-level baseball and hockey exposed my lack of mental fitness. While physically talented, my performance often suffered due to poor mindset, especially when faced with adversity and setbacks.

These frustrations crippled my natural love for these sports. After much prayer and introspection, I decided to turn down the opportunity to play college baseball, and instead chose to attend the University of Michigan as a student to explore my newfound interest in psychology. This academic coursework, combined with the growth of my Christian Faith, inspired me to pursue sport and exercise psychology with the goal of helping athletes become the best versions of themselves - on and off the field. At the University of Kentucky, I strive to gain valuable knowledge and experience to become a CMPC, educating athletes and teams to optimize sport performance and increase quality of life. Immediately after graduating, I hope to conduct mental performance work for the United States military to continue polishing my skills as a practitioner.

Hometown: Rockville, MD

Educational Background: B.A in Human Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology at Virginia Tech 

Current Degree: M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track 

Funding: Strength and Conditioning 

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student here at UK. Growing up with two older sisters and parents who enjoyed sports and an active lifestyle, the love for sport was instilled in me from a young age. Tearing my ACL in 8th grade was an awakening for me about how much I really loved the game and being an active individual, however it also taught me patience and appreciation for the things that I AM able to do. Speaking of appreciation, I played four years of Division 1 lacrosse at Virginia Tech where I developed a new appreciation for sports psychology because of how it helped me. 

On top of being a grad student, I have the opportunity to work in strength and conditioning with Kentucky Athletics, working with a wide range of athletes in the weightroom! Luckily for me I get to wear shorts and a tee-shirt to work everyday and help develop young individuals into great athletes, leaders, and people. I would not be the coach I am today if I did not fully understand where my athletes are coming from. Being a student athlete myself plays a huge role in this understanding but getting my higher education in Sports Psychology will give me an edge in the weightroom that will promote performance and confidence for my athletes. 

While maintaining my CSCS, I intend on earning my CMPC. The dream is to open a facility for college athletes with eating disorders. Until then, working in college athletics or opening a private practice will be the next step when my time at UK is complete. Who knows…maybe I will pursue a doctorate! The possibilities are endless with the right mindset.

Hometown: Eagle River, Alaska

Educational Background: B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communications & Minor in Business, Art Studio (University of Kentucky, 2019)

Current Degree: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student at the University of Kentucky (UK) originally from Alaska. I attended UK for my undergraduate degree in Integrated Strategic Communication with a double minor in business and art studio from 2015 to 2019, in addition to competing as a Division I Rifle athlete. I have never been one to shy away from putting myself out of my comfort zone to pursue new learning experiences and that has been a key factor in my professional and personal development. Going back to school to achieve a master’s degree is a natural progression and a new opportunity for me to develop skills and lessons for my role as an assistant coach for the UK Rifle program. As I’ve experienced personally, mental fitness can make the difference not only on the field of play but also in every other aspect of life.

I plan to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and focus on taking sport psychology into the coaching domain and into an administrative role in the future. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of athletics and I think it is crucial for all members who have a touchpoint with an athlete to understand the implications that they have on mental performance. It is our duty as mentors to be the best that we can be, through personal and professional growth. In addition to giving back to athletics, I also plan to take my learnings back home to my state of Alaska or throughout the country and help to be an advocate for mental health and performance for Indigenous students and athletes. I look forward to the new opportunities that the future may hold to better any individual or team that I have the chance to help.

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA

Educational Background: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Kentucky (2025);

B.S. Psychology, Minor in Philosophy - University of California, San Diego (2023)

Current Degree(s): PhD Student; MA Counselor Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

About Me: I am a first-year Doctoral Student, originally hailing from Northern California. I was a student athlete at UC San Diego, earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, minoring in Philosophy, and playing NCAA Division 1 Softball. Additionally, I represented New Zealand as a member of the National and Junior National softball teams from 2016-2018. During my years playing collegiate and international softball, I was plagued by significant injuries that resulted in mental, emotional, and physical turmoil. My career became commanded by rehab and pain, but, most of all, by the mental struggles and challenges of fighting my way back to my previous level of sport performance both on and off the field. The battle of returning to play the game I love is what introduced me to the field of Sport Psychology, and I have vowed to be a valuable resource for future athletes, someone to whom I wish I had during my comeback journeys. 

Following my degree from the University of Kentucky, I aspire to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), continue my private practice titled Post Time Performance Consulting LLC, and earn my LPC/LMHC. I am passionate about spreading awareness to coaches and sport medicine professionals regarding various potential psychological topics that may affect the well-being of athletes. Psychological topics that peak my interest include returning from injury, confidence, fear, trauma, stress, anxiety, and coach-athlete relationships. Due to this, my current research is investigating the psychological effects of exercise riders and professional jockeys following injury. Ideally, I want to become well rounded in the field of sport and exercise psychology while playing an integral role in the mental and physical rehabilitation of athletes battling injury and other challenges. I am eager to see where my journey takes me and am passionate about the impact I can have on the lives of athletes and coaches, and contributing to overall team success. 

Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Educational Background: B.S. Psychology (Texas A&M University)

Current Degree: 

M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Research Track

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

About Me: 

I am a first-year master’s student on the research track with aspirations of becoming a licensed psychologist. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, I conducted research under Dr. Brandon Schmeichel in social psychology, focusing on the perceived mental effort individuals experience when visualizing scenarios, a project that became the foundation of my honors thesis. In my senior year, I also led a team of undergraduate researchers in conducting a bibliometric analysis across four decades of a psychological scale used to predict athletic performance.

My passion for sport psychology grew out of my dedication to archery. Competing for the 23-time national champion Texas A&M University Target Archers and the United States Junior National Archery Team, I relied heavily on sport psychology tools to enhance my performance. Over time, I discovered that my true calling lay not in pursuing professional athletics, but in helping others unlock their potential through mental performance strategies. This led me to coach athletes of all levels, from backyard enthusiasts to national competitors, while fostering their psychological skills alongside their technical ones. My passion further deepened through my service as a Student Delegate with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), where I contributed to initiatives in Undergraduate Connections and the translation of science to practice.

At the University of Kentucky, I am eager to work with athletes from a purely psychological perspective for the first time, expanding my horizons to sports I have not previously engaged with. My experiences as both an athlete and coach fuel my drive to equip athletes with the mental support and tools necessary for success. I am committed to pursuing licensure as a psychologist and earning the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential, enabling me to support a diverse range of athletic populations and address both the mental health and performance needs of elite athletes.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Educational Background: B.A. Psychology, Minor in Sport and Entertainment Management - University of South Carolina

Current Degree: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology - Applied Track

Funding: Graduate Assistantship - Integrated Success Coach, Department of Transformative Learning

About Me: I’m a second-year Master’s student in the Sport and Exercise Psychology Program originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I graduated in 3.5 years from The University of South Carolina where I obtained my B.A. in Psychology, as well as a minor in Sport and Entertainment Management. While at USC I was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, being involved with both our chapter’s Mental Health Committee, as well as the Panhellenic Mental Health Committee. Additionally, I served as a Peer Leader for the class University 101, acting as a guide and role model for Freshman students at USC. I played both soccer and rugby in high school , and dislocated my hip during a rugby match my Sophomore year. Even after recovering physically, I was unable to mentally return to sports. While difficult and scary, my injury opened my eyes to the world of Sport Psychology and sparked my passion for helping others who’ve experienced my same struggles. 

Here at UK, I serve as an Integrated Success Coach for the Transformative Learning Department. As a coach, I partner with students to create plans that prioritize academic success and mental wellness. My past experience working with students, as well as this new role, has solidified my passion for supporting my peers and promoting the importance of mental health. After my time at UK, it’s my goal to become a CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Coach). Ever since completing my physical therapy at the Lemieux Center in Pittsburgh, it’s been my mission to become the head Sport Psychologist for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although, throughout my first year  at UK my interest in the arts has heightened, and I hope to explore all the possible opportunities to work with both athletes and performers. I am excited for my final year here at UK and I look forward to the continued growth of my passions and knowledge!

Hometown: Osijek, Croatia

Educational Background: B.S. in Psychology, Bellevue University

Current Degree: M.S. in Sport & Exercise Psychology (applied track) - 2nd year

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant - Transformative Learning

About Me: Originally from Croatia, I came to the US in 2018 to play soccer at a collegiate level and pursue higher education. My first ‘academic home’ was Illinois Central College in Peoria, Illinois, where I competed at an NJCAA level and reached the semi-finals of a national tournament my sophomore year. The following year, I transferred to Bellevue University - a small NAIA school in Omaha, Nebraska - where I played for three seasons under coach Mark Heath-Preston, clinching a conference title each year, as well as competing at a national tournament all three years.

Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I started working as an Enrollment Assistant at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, where I spent about a year. Parallel to this job, I’ve also spent a considerable amount of time working on a research project with one of my professors from Bellevue University. During this time, I also finally had a chance to focus more intently on sports other than soccer - primarily Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tennis, and running. This exposure to different sports and various mental aspects for each of them reinforced my passion which lay within the field of sport psychology. Before coming to Kentucky though, I’ve spent some time ‘working’ on my other huge passion, which is traveling, by doing a working holiday in New Zealand for about 4 months.

The main objective during my time at the University of Kentucky is definitely personal and professional development. Being the applied track, I will also work towards obtaining the CMPC certification upon graduation, but it is the road to there that is more important to me. As for my internship sites, I’m currently supporting three sport organizations in the community - Lexington Christian Academy, Lexington Soccer Club, and the athletic program at Transylvania University. Coming from a soccer background, my dream would be working with European soccer clubs and supporting athletes with mental preparation. 

Hometown: Brentwood, California

Educational Background: B.A. Psychology, minor in Sociology (The University of Mississippi)

Current Degree: 

M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology, Applied Track

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student from Brentwood, California (The Bay Area!). I graduated this past May from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. My interest in psychology began in high school and continued to grow throughout my undergraduate years. At Ole Miss, I was a member of Pi Beta Phi, the College of Liberal Arts Ambassador Program, and was heavily involved in the Psychology Department through the Psychology Club, Psi Chi Honor Society, the Lay Beliefs and Culture (LBC) Lab, and the Health and Anxiety Research and Treatment (HART) Lab.

Growing up, I was a competitive gymnast and later a springboard diver, and I loved watching sports with my family. I’ve always been fascinated by watching the best of the best compete and pursue what they love. My research experiences in the LBC and HART Labs fueled my curiosity about why people behave the way they do and how these behaviors can be shaped. I am particularly interested in mental blocks and coaching techniques that foster supportive and effective athletic environments. Currently, I hope to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and pursue my PhD, then eventually work within collegiate athletics - though I am still open to new opportunities, as long as they allow me to continue growing both personally and intellectually!