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: Austin, TX

Educational Background:

B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Sport & Exercise Psychology, Philosophy - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

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

Funding: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Health Equity Transformation

About Me: 

I’m a second-year graduate student originally from Austin, Texas. I attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville majoring in Psychology and spending a significant portion of that time focused on research. While attending SIUE, I also started working as a freelance/professional coach in esports in my free time, primarily focused on Overwatch. While pursuing my degree in Psychology, I first learned about sports psychology during my classes and quickly fell enamored with the idea of understanding how sports psychology may affect the quickly developing world of esports. 

At SIUE, my research focused on skill attainment and the correlations between athletic identity and competitive anxiety in esports athletes. For my Master’s thesis, I am continuing to explore skill attainment in esports, with a focus on the presence of Quiet Eye in First Person Shooters. For my funding, I currently work as a graduate research assistant in the Center for Health Equity Transformation, working on AppalTRusT and CRST as a part of a team of researchers. The goal of these grants are to conduct rapid surveillance of the tobacco market and studying the impacts in both Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region. For the future, I’m applying to clinical psychology PhD programs, continuing to expand my understanding of how to best support athletes. Whether it is research, teaching, or working in an applied setting, I hope to use the skills that I learn here at UK to better support athletes from all different backgrounds.

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 first-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 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 to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. After graduating, I plan on completing my CMPC, and pursuing a PhD in a field related to sport or clinical psychology. 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 first-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. Outside of school, I love working out and worked as a fitness attendant at a gym in Alabama. 

Although currently undecided, my research interests fall under TBIs and concussion treatment as well as adaptive sports and para athletics. After completing my degree at the University of Kentucky, I plan to obtain my CMPC and then pursue my PhD in performance psychology or clinical psychology to further my academic and research based goals. My long term goal is to be a sport psychologist through the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee providing mental health and mental performance assistance for Team USA athletes.

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 first year graduate student from southern Connecticut. I graduated with two Bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, where my love for both sport and mental work developed. While attending FSU, I was a member of the Sport Management Student Association, Doulos Campus Ministry, and Alpha Gamma Delta. These organizations helped me realize my passion for the sport psychology field, particularly for women in sport and athletes with adverse backgrounds. I also conducted research on learning second languages and the importance of the environment while learning, which contributed to my desire to work with international populations. Outside of the classroom, I love watching football and Formula 1, and taking my dog on all kinds of adventures.

Here at the University of Kentucky, I am a TA in the Department of Transformative Learning, specifically working as an Integrated Success Coach, where my goal is to help students recognize their capabilities and potential, and offer them a pathway to achieving success independently. While earning my M.S., I hope to develop my ability to encourage athletes in finding value in sport beyond winning and use their talents to impact their communities. My career goals include becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and working in Division I or professional sport, particularly with athletes who travel or practice outside of their home city, state, or country. I am excited to work with and learn from the talented people here at UK, and grow in my abilities and passions!

Hometown: Austin, TX

Educational Background: B.A. Psychology, Baylor University (2023)

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

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student from Austin, Texas. In 2023, I received my Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University where I majored in Psychology with minors in Corporate Communication and Forensic Science. While at Baylor, I was involved in research examining the relationship between stress and cardiovascular health and completed my thesis on media representations of female collegiate athletes and gender inequities in college athletics. Working on these projects and learning more about the impacts of psychological stress and exercise on mental health led me to the field of sport psychology. I played basketball for 12 years and am excited to have found my way back to sport as well as to continue exploring these areas as I work with athletes in the future. 

Now at UK, I have been able to grow my passion and knowledge of the field and am excited to continue learning and exploring new opportunities. Currently, I serve as a student delegate for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) within the Social Communications and Undergraduate Connections initiatives. After graduation, I want to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and ultimately hope to be an advocate for athletes dealing with mental struggles, working collaboratively with them to enhance their performance through mental skills training.

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)

About Me: I am a first-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 be able to use what I learn to help other athletes who are facing similar obstacles that I did. My next steps are to obtain my CMPC and use that to work in a university’s athletic department. I am also open to pursuing a second master’s in counseling to combine the importance of mental health and mental fitness to help athletes be at their best!

Hometown: Trophy Club, TX

Educational Background: B.S. Psychology with concentration in  Pre-Medicine, Georgia State University (2022)

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

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness & Campus Recreation Group Fitness Instructor

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student originally from Trophy Club, Texas, a small suburban city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I attended Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta where I studied psychology while competing on the Division I Beach Volleyball team. During my time as a Division I athlete I worked, alongside my team, with numerous sports psychologists. I went from being skeptical of the importance of mental performance as a freshman to realizing that developing a strong mental attitude through mental performance skills could drastically improve my game. This is the discovery that has drawn me to the field of sports psychology.

Now that I am pursuing my M.S. in sports psychology I am extremely excited to utilize my own personal experiences along with what I learn in my course work to help athletes in a similar way that I was helped. My next academic steps are to obtain my Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) upon the completion of this degree. I am not fully sure what specific field I want to work in within mental performance but am excited to continue learning about the vast variety of job opportunities within the sports psychology field and discovering what is the best fit for me!

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: Graduate Assistant for Kentucky Volleyball

About Me: I am a first-year graduate student originally 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 have been a part of the Kentucky Volleyball program for four years where I started off as a manager and have made my way into the Graduate Assistant position. 

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: Romeo, MI                                                          

Educational Background: B.S in Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences - Pre-Medicine, Minor in Chemistry from Alma College 2023

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

Funding: Graduate Manager for Kentucky Baseball

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student originally from the Metro Detroit area. I completed my undergraduate education at Alma College where I majored in Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences while competing as a Division III Baseball player, and captain, of the baseball team. I am currently a Graduate Manager for the UK Baseball team. 

Before coming to Lexington, I served as an Assistant Coach under the Hall of Fame Coach Mike Roberts for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where I had the privilege to coach 15 players selected in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft and a league-best record. 

I found myself drawn to Sport and Exercise Psychology while competing in college, and plan to obtain my CMPC and remain in baseball while advocating for athlete mental health.

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)

About Me: I am a first-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.

Hometown: Waynesboro, VA

Educational Background: B.S. Exercise Science, Psychology, Minors in Biology, Physiology, & Coaching - Shenandoah University

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Current Degree: M.S. Sport & Exercise Psychology, Applied Track; Graduate Certificate in High Performance Coaching

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student from Virginia. I attended Shenandoah University, where I double majored in Exercise Science and Psychology while competing as a Division III Cross Country and Track athlete at SU. During my time at SU, I served as the Founder and President of Shenandoah University’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, a non-profit advocacy group for student-athlete mental health. I am currently a member of the UK Cheerleading team.

Before moving to Kentucky, I participated in research pertaining to the perceptions of Psyching Teams in endurance sport, and am excited to explore more areas of sport, exercise, and performance psychology research, including the explorations of advocacy work outcomes on student-athlete mental health advocates, as well as perceptions surrounding emotional abuse in sport.

Throughout my athletic career, I realized how important mental fitness and wellness were for my performance. After originally going to college to become a physical therapist, I found my passion integrating the mental health and performance spheres within athletics during the COVID-19 pandemic. I plan to obtain my CMPC and apply to doctoral programs in psychology to become a licensed psychologist. The athlete experience is very layered and complex, so enhancing a person’s experience in sport, whether rooted in performance or well-being, is a key element of my drive. My email is patrick.maneval@uky.edu. Feel free to reach out if you have questions!

Hometown: Mount Olive, NJ

Educational Background: B.S. in Psychology & Minor in Education, Florida State University (2022)

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

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

About Me: I am a second-year graduate student originally from New Jersey. I attended Florida State University where I studied psychology and education while a member of the Marching Chiefs Majorette line. During my time as both a student and performer, I took sport and performance psychology classes while also being expected to perform at a high-level to entertain thousands of people every weekend. After having this unique experience, I was able to realize how beneficial mental performance skills can be in all aspects of life, not just within traditional sport.

One of my biggest goals in the field is to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and focus on making sport psychology more readily available. I hope to specifically work in female dominated sports and with performing arts populations to better support underrepresented areas in the field. While at the University of Kentucky, I have worked with the Center for Academic and Tutorial Services (CATS) as an Academic Services Assistant for Women’s Basketball and Men’s and Women’s Swim & Dive. After working in this role, I would also love to work as an academic counselor within athletics to help student-athletes achieve success both in the classroom and on the field.

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.

Current Track: M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology / Applied Track

Hometown: Maumelle, Arkansas

Education: B.S. - Recreation and Sport Management - University of Arkansas

Funding: Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship 

About Me: Hi! I am a second-year graduate student at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology! In all honesty, I have never been much of an athlete. However, my competitiveness and love for sports environments outshine my lack of athletic ability. My past experiences have been in offering academic support and mentorship to student-athletes, undergraduate students, and elementary students. I also have some great experiences working in community outreach with an NFL team and the business operations side of the NBA. I fell in love with my major during my years of undergrad at the University of Arkansas, and I took great advantage of the abundance of support and opportunities in this field! I am so grateful for this opportunity to extend my education in SEP, and I am extremely excited to see what lies for me after my time here at UK!

My biggest ambition in this field is to pursue executive leadership within a sports organization — utilizing my expertise to implement and/or reform mental health and athlete wellness resources. I plan to tackle these issues through advocacy work, expanding my academic competencies further in the experience of minority athletes, and further learning about the impact of cultural influences on seeking mental health and wellness support. Although my path has been unique, my experience in the SEP program has been unmatched due to the unwavering support I have received during my studies. It’s hard to predict what lies in the future, but after I expand on my leadership and advocacy one day I hope to pursue a PhD in Organizational Behavior.

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA

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

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

Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Life Fitness (KHP)

About Me: I am a second-year Master’s student in the Sport and Exercise Psychology program, 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. During my years playing collegiate 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) and be an advocate for athletes in the mental health field. Additionally, 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. Although I am not sure what my future holds, I hope to obtain additional research and clinical experience by obtaining my PhD or PsyD. Psychological topics that peak my interest include returning from injury, confidence, fear, trauma, stress, anxiety, and coach-athlete relationships. Due to this, my Master’s Thesis is investigating the psychological effects of jockeys and exercise riders 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: 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 first-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 highschool, 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 semester at UK my interest in theater and the arts has heightened, and I hope to explore all the possible opportunities to work with either athletes or performers. I am excited for my journey here at UK and 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)

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. Coming from a soccer background, my dream would be working with European soccer clubs and supporting athletes with mental preparation.

Emily Murphy

Hometown: Marion, Indiana

Previous Education: B.S. in Psychology, Indiana University (2018); M.S. in Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky (2020)

Current Degree: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology

Internship Site: Robley Rex VA Medical Center 

About Me: I am a PhD student in the University of Kentucky’s Counseling Psychology program. Clinically, I have worked within Transylvania University Athletics, the University of Kentucky’s Counseling Center, and for Dr. Alison Arnold — a leading sport psychology consultant for USA Gymnastics. During the upcoming year, I’ll complete my practicum rotation at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center within the Substance Use Disorders Treatment Program to supplement the generalist training I received at the Lexington VA Health Care System Outpatient Clinic.

I have experience instructing several undergraduate psychology courses, including The Psychology of Coaching and Motor Performance and Social Psychology and Cultural Processes. I will be working for the Lexington VA Health Care System during the upcoming academic year and am currently a member of the Help-Seeking and Multicultural Measurement Evaluation Research (HAMMER) Lab and the UKY Sport and Counseling Psychology Research Lab. My research primarily focuses on the integration of sport psychology and psychotherapy, athlete activism, and multicultural training of sport psychology practitioners. Additionally, I serve as one of two Student Representatives within the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), a member of AASP’s Web Presence Committee, and am happy to answer any questions via email. e.murphy@uky.edu