By David Smith “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.” – Mike Tyson This famous quote really hit me hard, not as hard as a punch in the face but almost so when it comes to the very foundation of what we consider “performance” within sport. Athletes will spend hours upon … Continue reading Improvise Your Way to High Performance in Sport and Life
Dumb Jocks and Theater Geeks Unite! Sport Psychology in the Performing Arts
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) What does sport have anything in common with the performing arts? I was asked as I stood at the front of a crowded room full of professors and seasoned artistic professionals looking at me. I shifted slightly as I considered the question, all eyes on me as clearly … Continue reading Dumb Jocks and Theater Geeks Unite! Sport Psychology in the Performing Arts
In the Office or Out on the Field? The Identity Conflict of Mental Performance Coaching and Clinical Sport Psychology Toward Athletic Development
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Applied sport psychology is facing quite the identity crisis. On one hand, it struggles with the perception and stereotype that an athlete only sees a sport psychologist to “fix” a problem they have. Any and every sport psychology practitioner will tell you that applied sport psych is much … Continue reading In the Office or Out on the Field? The Identity Conflict of Mental Performance Coaching and Clinical Sport Psychology Toward Athletic Development
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
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
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
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Social Identity in Sport
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) IDABHOBIT celebrated every May 17th is a day to promote awareness, education, and advocate for action against prejudice and discrimination against the LGBTQI community. Sport is oft considered unfriendly toward LGBTQI people. While progress has been made, discrimination and prejudice is still very much present as well as … Continue reading International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Social Identity in Sport
When it Comes to Breaking Down Barriers in Sport, Creating a Safe Space Just Isn’t Enough
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) The most common element when it comes to developing grassroots inclusive sport structures is building a “safe space” type of culture that is free from judgement, prejudice, and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people, especially trans/nonbinary and POC experience. Sport has long been an institution that is founded and … Continue reading When it Comes to Breaking Down Barriers in Sport, Creating a Safe Space Just Isn’t Enough
Athlete or Performer? Basics of Performance Psychology
What's the difference between an athlete and a performer? Well, not much really but at the same time, there's a lot different. An "athlete" a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise whereas a "performer" is a person who executes a skill or a talent in front of an audience. … Continue reading Athlete or Performer? Basics of Performance Psychology
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