By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) The vilification of words like “diversity” represent a socio-political shift within our society toward a more convergent hegemonic perspective. It is in this evolution that the diversity of peoples who do not subscribe to this hegemonic perspective find themselves at equal vilification. However, when it comes to “diversity”, … Continue reading Diversification of Training and Experience Develops Robust, Resilient, and Tactically Creative Athletes
Mansplaining a Class on Women in Sports: My Reflections on Teaching and Learning in Honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) “I am certainly competent, capable, and willing, but I need to ask… are you sure you want me as a cisgender white male to teach a class on women in sports?” Was the first question I asked when I took on my faculty teaching role at the State … Continue reading Mansplaining a Class on Women in Sports: My Reflections on Teaching and Learning in Honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
Praise: Despite Good Intentions, How Much is too Much?
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Praise is often used with best intentions. After all, who doesn't love some positive reeforcement with a pat on the back and a "good job!" when you do something well. Just like anything else, too much praise can turn into a bad thing and have the opposite of … Continue reading Praise: Despite Good Intentions, How Much is too Much?
Unlock Your Potential: The Benefits of Mental Performance Coaching Athletes, Artists, and Performers of All Kind
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Within my professional practice as a sport psychology practitioner, strength & conditioning, and mental performance coach, I find that most people generally have two perceptions about the services I offer. “I don’t need to see a psychologist, I’m not sick/ there is nothing wrong with me.” “That sounds … Continue reading Unlock Your Potential: The Benefits of Mental Performance Coaching Athletes, Artists, and Performers of All Kind
Reaffirming LGBTQ+ Rights to a Diverse, Inclusive, Equal and Just Society in the Face of Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression: Maintaining Resilience, Strength, and Optimism
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Unfortunately, we are facing some turbulent and tough times ahead as religious conservatives subsume power. LGBTQ+ rights are under direct threat as we anticipate a rise in anti-LGBTQ prejudice, oppression, and discrimination that will push our limits to the edge of chaos. The fact is, we are likely … Continue reading Reaffirming LGBTQ+ Rights to a Diverse, Inclusive, Equal and Just Society in the Face of Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression: Maintaining Resilience, Strength, and Optimism
We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do!: Influence of the Audience Effect on Athletic Performance
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Photo Credit: Cheer San Francisco Growing up in the USA, my education journey through school and university always had a mark for school spirit and identity shaped by a school mascot and colors. We had fight songs, cheers, chants, traditions like homecoming and such. Much of it wrapped … Continue reading We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do!: Influence of the Audience Effect on Athletic Performance
Mental Health, Wellbeing, Participation, and Performance in Sport
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) World Mental Health Day is recognized every October 10th toward raising awareness on mental health and help mobilize efforts to support mental health. This is important for overcoming social stigmas surrounding mental health to ensure that everybody is able to develop knowledge and awareness surrounding issues affecting mental … Continue reading Mental Health, Wellbeing, Participation, and Performance in Sport
Game Theory in Sports: Lessons from the Battle of the Sexes
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) In my “Women in Sports” class, we recently had a presentation and discussion on Billie Jean King and the famous “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between her and Bobby Riggs. In short, as a retired tennis pro, middle age, self-proclaimed “male chauvinist pig” challenged Billie Jean King, … Continue reading Game Theory in Sports: Lessons from the Battle of the Sexes
Coaching Sport Psychology + Strength and Conditioning: Perceived Focus as a Driver for Athlete Buy In and Performance Output
By David Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him)Both Strength and Conditioning as well as Sport Psychology, as fundamental components of athletic development, are still struggling to find their footing in sport. While any athlete and coach, especially at the elite level will tell you, the “mental” aspect of performance is the key to achieving success. Despite this, … Continue reading Coaching Sport Psychology + Strength and Conditioning: Perceived Focus as a Driver for Athlete Buy In and Performance Output
How Sport and Exercise Can Reaffirm Gender Identity
By David Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) Humans, regardless of gender identity, are designed to move. It is within our very nature as a species to be active and express ourselves through movement. When you look at the vast number of ways that humans have developed different ways to move, you’ll realize that physical activity is … Continue reading How Sport and Exercise Can Reaffirm Gender Identity
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