Resources
Guest Speakers
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Corey Robinson, an NBC Sports host and reporter, serves as a sideline reporter for the 2022 USFL season. A former Notre Dame wide receiver, he joined NBC Sports in Jan. 2020.
Robinson has worked the past two Olympic Games with NBC Sports, serving as a curling reporter at the Beijing Olympics following his Olympic debut as a sportsdesk reporter during the Tokyo Olympics.
Robinson contributes to a variety of properties across the NBC Sports portfolio on linear, digital and social platforms, serving as host of the ND on NBC Podcast and as an analyst on Atlantic 10 basketball.
A 2017 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Robinson was a wide receiver on the Fighting Irish football team from 2013-2015, was named a first-team Academic All-American, and was awarded the Notre Dame Knute Rockne Student-Athlete Award in 2014. In 2016-17, he became the first-ever Notre Dame football player to serve as student body president.
Robinson is the son of Hall of Fame basketball player David Robinson.
Corey Robinson, an NBC Sports host and reporter, serves as a sideline reporter for the 2022 USFL season. A former Notre Dame wide receiver, he joined NBC Sports in Jan. 2020.
Robinson has worked the past two Olympic Games with NBC Sports, serving as a curling reporter at the Beijing Olympics following his Olympic debut as a sportsdesk reporter during the Tokyo Olympics.
Robinson contributes to a variety of properties across the NBC Sports portfolio on linear, digital and social platforms, serving as host of the ND on NBC Podcast and as an analyst on Atlantic 10 basketball.
A 2017 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Robinson was a wide receiver on the Fighting Irish football team from 2013-2015, was named a first-team Academic All-American, and was awarded the Notre Dame Knute Rockne Student-Athlete Award in 2014. In 2016-17, he became the first-ever Notre Dame football player to serve as student body president.
Robinson is the son of Hall of Fame basketball player David Robinson.
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Cailin Bracken is a junior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and is an attacker on the school’s Division I women’s lacrosse team. Having grown up in a lacrosse family in northern New Jersey, Cailin grew up surrounded by expectations that she would become an elite athlete. By age 16, Cailin was ranked by Inside Lacrosse as one of the top-20 attack recruits in the country and earned accolades ranging from academic recognition to the Under-Armour All America tournament honors. A longtime mental health advocate on her personal blog on Instagram (@kalewithcail) and her website ownyourstory.community, in the spring of 2022, Cailin penned an inspiring message titled ‘A Letter to College Sports’ in which she discussed her own experience with mental health challenges as a student-athlete, and urged readers to reconsider their perspective on vulnerability, failure, mental toughness, and compassion as it pertains to the student-athlete experience. Cailin’s letter has been shared by numerous national media outlets including a feature on Good Morning America, and the piece was listed as the #3 most read piece in US Lacrosse Magazine in 2022.
Cailin Bracken is a junior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and is an attacker on the school’s Division I women’s lacrosse team. Having grown up in a lacrosse family in northern New Jersey, Cailin grew up surrounded by expectations that she would become an elite athlete. By age 16, Cailin was ranked by Inside Lacrosse as one of the top-20 attack recruits in the country and earned accolades ranging from academic recognition to the Under-Armour All America tournament honors. A longtime mental health advocate on her personal blog on Instagram (@kalewithcail) and her website ownyourstory.community, in the spring of 2022, Cailin penned an inspiring message titled ‘A Letter to College Sports’ in which she discussed her own experience with mental health challenges as a student-athlete, and urged readers to reconsider their perspective on vulnerability, failure, mental toughness, and compassion as it pertains to the student-athlete experience. Cailin’s letter has been shared by numerous national media outlets including a feature on Good Morning America, and the piece was listed as the #3 most read piece in US Lacrosse Magazine in 2022.
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Dr. Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is a internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Additionally, Dr. Chapman serves on the Editorial Board for the Oxford University Press Treatments That Work treatment series, which includes evidence-based treatment protocols for training mental health professionals and treatment workbooks to assist clients throughout treatment. Dr. Chapman is also known for his expertise as it relates to the intersection of multiculturalism and mental health. Similarly, Dr. Chapman has published numerous papers in scientific journals and has written several book chapters. Dr. Chapman is a Faculty member for the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves on its Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Chapman serves on several Editorial Boards including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and Clinical Child and Family Psychologist Review. Additionally, Dr. Chapman is a Media Psychologist and regularly contributes to and serves as a consultant for multiple media outlets including A&E and other production companies. Most recently, Dr. Chapman was the Program Expert on the hit series My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted as well as Seasons 1 and 2 of A&E’s hit show 60 Days In. Dr. Chapman has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, NBC Health, Bloomberg Business Week, Men’s Health, and numerous other outlets including the Nick News documentary Worried Sick: Living with Anxiety, a feature on adolescent anxiety. Dr. Chapman previously served as an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Chapman completed a BS in Psychology from Centre College, a MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville.
Professional Sports Background
Dr. Chapman also serves as a Mental Health Expert for TrueSport, a subsidiary for the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA) and is a recognized expert in sports performance and mental health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and emotion regulation in athletes. Dr. Chapman also serves as the Team Psychologist for the Louisville City Football Club (USL) and the Racing Louisville Football Club (NWSL) and regularly appears on numerous podcasts that highlight the necessity of mental skills in sports as well as navigating performance anxiety. Dr. Chapman previously served on the Performance Team for the University of Louisville Department of Athletics. Dr. Chapman was a two-sport collegiate athlete (track and field, football) and was inducted into the Centre College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.
Dr. Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is a internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Additionally, Dr. Chapman serves on the Editorial Board for the Oxford University Press Treatments That Work treatment series, which includes evidence-based treatment protocols for training mental health professionals and treatment workbooks to assist clients throughout treatment. Dr. Chapman is also known for his expertise as it relates to the intersection of multiculturalism and mental health. Similarly, Dr. Chapman has published numerous papers in scientific journals and has written several book chapters. Dr. Chapman is a Faculty member for the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves on its Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Chapman serves on several Editorial Boards including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and Clinical Child and Family Psychologist Review. Additionally, Dr. Chapman is a Media Psychologist and regularly contributes to and serves as a consultant for multiple media outlets including A&E and other production companies. Most recently, Dr. Chapman was the Program Expert on the hit series My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted as well as Seasons 1 and 2 of A&E’s hit show 60 Days In. Dr. Chapman has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, NBC Health, Bloomberg Business Week, Men’s Health, and numerous other outlets including the Nick News documentary Worried Sick: Living with Anxiety, a feature on adolescent anxiety. Dr. Chapman previously served as an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Chapman completed a BS in Psychology from Centre College, a MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville.
Professional Sports Background
Dr. Chapman also serves as a Mental Health Expert for TrueSport, a subsidiary for the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA) and is a recognized expert in sports performance and mental health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and emotion regulation in athletes. Dr. Chapman also serves as the Team Psychologist for the Louisville City Football Club (USL) and the Racing Louisville Football Club (NWSL) and regularly appears on numerous podcasts that highlight the necessity of mental skills in sports as well as navigating performance anxiety. Dr. Chapman previously served on the Performance Team for the University of Louisville Department of Athletics. Dr. Chapman was a two-sport collegiate athlete (track and field, football) and was inducted into the Centre College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.
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Resilience expert Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka “Dr. G” works with entire organizations as well as leadership teams to identify the mindset and strategies to turn stress to an advantage. Dr. G brings scientifically validated strategies to companies who need to navigate change while succeeding at their mission. Renowned for her contagious humor, Dr. G works with groups across multiple generations to rewire their attitudes and beliefs, and create resilience through personal accountability and a completely different approach to adversity. She is a leading media personality seen regularly on TODAY, Good Morning America and The Doctors. She is also featured frequently in the Forbes, Washington Post, The New York Times and countless other digital and print outlets. Dr. G is board certified attending family physician and Clinical Associate Professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Resilience expert Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka “Dr. G” works with entire organizations as well as leadership teams to identify the mindset and strategies to turn stress to an advantage. Dr. G brings scientifically validated strategies to companies who need to navigate change while succeeding at their mission. Renowned for her contagious humor, Dr. G works with groups across multiple generations to rewire their attitudes and beliefs, and create resilience through personal accountability and a completely different approach to adversity. She is a leading media personality seen regularly on TODAY, Good Morning America and The Doctors. She is also featured frequently in the Forbes, Washington Post, The New York Times and countless other digital and print outlets. Dr. G is board certified attending family physician and Clinical Associate Professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
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Erin Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC, is the Director of Mental Health and Performance Psychology for the University of North Dakota Athletics and Sports Medicine Departments and Founder and CEO of Haugen Performance Consulting. She has over 15 years of experience in elite sport focusing on mental health and performance psychology. Dr. Haugen specializes in working with athletic departments, student-athletes, coaches, staff, sports medicine professionals, and licensed mental health professionals at the collegiate level. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Dakota where she provides training to PhD candidates in psychological assessment and sport psychology. As a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant ®, and athlete herself, she understands all aspects of the elite athlete environment. In her spare time, Dr. Haugen competes in triathlons and enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and three border collie mix rescue dogs: Fromm, Eddie, and Bella.
Erin Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC, is the Director of Mental Health and Performance Psychology for the University of North Dakota Athletics and Sports Medicine Departments and Founder and CEO of Haugen Performance Consulting. She has over 15 years of experience in elite sport focusing on mental health and performance psychology. Dr. Haugen specializes in working with athletic departments, student-athletes, coaches, staff, sports medicine professionals, and licensed mental health professionals at the collegiate level. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Dakota where she provides training to PhD candidates in psychological assessment and sport psychology. As a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant ®, and athlete herself, she understands all aspects of the elite athlete environment. In her spare time, Dr. Haugen competes in triathlons and enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and three border collie mix rescue dogs: Fromm, Eddie, and Bella.
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After graduating high school in 2016, Geoff was fortunate enough to commit to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and play basketball for the Mountain Lions for 6 years, 5 of which he was a captain. He was also a 5-year leader on the student-athlete advisory committee. He was awarded the UCCS Athletic Director award in 2019 and was named the UCCS Male student-athlete of the year in 2022. During this time, he finished his undergrad degree in Finance in 2020 and went straight into his MBA, which he finished in 2022.
Although he enjoyed everything about UCCS, his career didn’t come without adversity. Between his sophomore and junior years, Geoff tore his ACL and was on the receiving end of 3 different knee surgeries. These surgeries resulted in a year and a half of rehab that forced him to detach from the game of basketball. Like many athletes in similar situations, in his mind he felt distant from his team and was unable to free his mind in the only way he understood, playing basketball. He felt that he had lost who he was because of these injuries. However, with the support of great mentors around him, he was able to understand how much more he was than just a basketball player.
Now, Geoff runs a financial planning practice in Colorado Springs and coaches basketball at Mesa Ridge High School. This past year, the Grizzlies won the 5A state title and finished the season 28-0.
After graduating high school in 2016, Geoff was fortunate enough to commit to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and play basketball for the Mountain Lions for 6 years, 5 of which he was a captain. He was also a 5-year leader on the student-athlete advisory committee. He was awarded the UCCS Athletic Director award in 2019 and was named the UCCS Male student-athlete of the year in 2022. During this time, he finished his undergrad degree in Finance in 2020 and went straight into his MBA, which he finished in 2022.
Although he enjoyed everything about UCCS, his career didn’t come without adversity. Between his sophomore and junior years, Geoff tore his ACL and was on the receiving end of 3 different knee surgeries. These surgeries resulted in a year and a half of rehab that forced him to detach from the game of basketball. Like many athletes in similar situations, in his mind he felt distant from his team and was unable to free his mind in the only way he understood, playing basketball. He felt that he had lost who he was because of these injuries. However, with the support of great mentors around him, he was able to understand how much more he was than just a basketball player.
Now, Geoff runs a financial planning practice in Colorado Springs and coaches basketball at Mesa Ridge High School. This past year, the Grizzlies won the 5A state title and finished the season 28-0.
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Dr. Kirby is a Colorado native that enjoys staying active with her husband and two daughters. She received her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from UCCS, and her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. As an assistant professor at UCCS, Dr. Kirby teaches the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of sport, health, and wellness to include Sport Psychology and Health Behavior Theory for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Kirby’s research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and peer relationships on psychological well-being in sport and physical activity settings. Dr. Kirby currently serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Critical Sport Studies and is the project director for the new Mountain Lion Strong program funded by the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice grant. Mountain Lion Strong is a comprehensive psychoeducation program being developed for student-athletes at UCCS to support student-athlete well-being, resilience, and mental health.
Dr. Kirby is a Colorado native that enjoys staying active with her husband and two daughters. She received her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from UCCS, and her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. As an assistant professor at UCCS, Dr. Kirby teaches the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of sport, health, and wellness to include Sport Psychology and Health Behavior Theory for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Kirby’s research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and peer relationships on psychological well-being in sport and physical activity settings. Dr. Kirby currently serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Critical Sport Studies and is the project director for the new Mountain Lion Strong program funded by the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice grant. Mountain Lion Strong is a comprehensive psychoeducation program being developed for student-athletes at UCCS to support student-athlete well-being, resilience, and mental health.
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As Commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association, Michael Krueger and his team oversee the administration and oversight of athletic and activity programs for Colorado’s 363-member high schools. Krueger’s career spans over 30 years in public education as an administrator, athletic/activities director, counselor, teacher and coach. He most recently served as the Senior Director of Education for National Governing Body USA Football where his team led the evolution and design of the Football Development Model (FDM). The FDM is based on long-term athlete development principles and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s American Development Model.
The Colorado native has earned numerous awards for his work, including the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) State Award of Merit and he has also received the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Citation Award.
A former assistant professor at Metro State University Denver, Mike is also a member of the National Teaching Faculty for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).
As Commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association, Michael Krueger and his team oversee the administration and oversight of athletic and activity programs for Colorado’s 363-member high schools. Krueger’s career spans over 30 years in public education as an administrator, athletic/activities director, counselor, teacher and coach. He most recently served as the Senior Director of Education for National Governing Body USA Football where his team led the evolution and design of the Football Development Model (FDM). The FDM is based on long-term athlete development principles and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s American Development Model.
The Colorado native has earned numerous awards for his work, including the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) State Award of Merit and he has also received the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Citation Award.
A former assistant professor at Metro State University Denver, Mike is also a member of the National Teaching Faculty for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).
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Dr. Bhrett McCabe is the founder of The MindSide, a center for Sports and Performance Psychology, and trusted advisor for the top performing competitors in the country. Dr. McCabe combines his personal experience as a 2x National Champion Division I athlete, his training as a licensed clinical psychologist, and his corporate leadership experience to help competitors achieve an elite performance mindset. Dr. McCabe develops personalized strategies and processes to help athletes and businesses achieve success at the highest levels. Dr. McCabe serves as the Sports & Performance Psychologist for elite-level athletes, corporate leaders, and teams including The University of Alabama Athletics, PGA Tour, NFL, and NBA. Dr. McCabe’s strategies are also trusted by high-achieving businesses including multiple Fortune 500 organizations, Andrews Sports Medicine, and Titlest Performance Institute.
Dr. McCabe is the author of The MindSide Manifesto: The Urgency to Create a Competitive Mindset which he has developed in order to help athletes, coaches, and leaders compete to the best of their ability. Dr. McCabe also hosts a weekly podcast entitled “The Secrets to Winning” and has published several academic journal articles, presented numerous scientific presentations, as well as provided insight and authored articles for trade magazines such as GOLF Magazine, Golf World, Golf Week, and ESPNW, among others. Dr. McCabe has made several appearances on The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive and The Golf Fix.
Dr. McCabe’s latest endeavor is called Catalyst School, where Dr. McCabe provides weekly, live coaching sessions via Zoom for anyone who is a catalyst for others- coaches and business leaders alike. More information can be found at www.bhrettmccabe.com/catalyst-school.
Dr. Bhrett McCabe is the founder of The MindSide, a center for Sports and Performance Psychology, and trusted advisor for the top performing competitors in the country. Dr. McCabe combines his personal experience as a 2x National Champion Division I athlete, his training as a licensed clinical psychologist, and his corporate leadership experience to help competitors achieve an elite performance mindset. Dr. McCabe develops personalized strategies and processes to help athletes and businesses achieve success at the highest levels. Dr. McCabe serves as the Sports & Performance Psychologist for elite-level athletes, corporate leaders, and teams including The University of Alabama Athletics, PGA Tour, NFL, and NBA. Dr. McCabe’s strategies are also trusted by high-achieving businesses including multiple Fortune 500 organizations, Andrews Sports Medicine, and Titlest Performance Institute.
Dr. McCabe is the author of The MindSide Manifesto: The Urgency to Create a Competitive Mindset which he has developed in order to help athletes, coaches, and leaders compete to the best of their ability. Dr. McCabe also hosts a weekly podcast entitled “The Secrets to Winning” and has published several academic journal articles, presented numerous scientific presentations, as well as provided insight and authored articles for trade magazines such as GOLF Magazine, Golf World, Golf Week, and ESPNW, among others. Dr. McCabe has made several appearances on The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive and The Golf Fix.
Dr. McCabe’s latest endeavor is called Catalyst School, where Dr. McCabe provides weekly, live coaching sessions via Zoom for anyone who is a catalyst for others- coaches and business leaders alike. More information can be found at www.bhrettmccabe.com/catalyst-school.
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Steve Pipes is the head football coach of the Air Force Prep Huskies. Pipes is a 1998 graduate of the Air Force Academy, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in social science. He was a three-year letterman in football as a defensive back and led the team in interceptions in 1996. An all-Western Athletic Conference selection, he was on teams that won three Commander-in Chief’s Trophies, one of the school’s three Conference championships, and helped lead the 1997 team to a 10-win season. His coaching career began at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School where he served as the secondary coach, defensive coordinator and head coach. As the secondary coach, Pipes developed All-American Reggie Rembert and Mountain West Conference first- and second- team selections Jon Davis and Anthony Wright. Pipes, again returned to the United States Air Force Academy as the assistant defensive line coach and head JV Coach/defensive coordinator. Under his mentorship, the defensive line produced a two-time All-Mountain West Conference player in Alex Hansen while Ryan Watson led the conference in sacks en route to first-team honors.
Previous to his return to the Air Force Academy Prep School, Coach Pipes was the Kentucky State University defensive coordinator and linebackers coach where he was involved in defensive game planning and execution and preparation of special teams. Additionally, he was the program’s liaison for player academic affairs and mentorship opportunities. During his first season 35 players achieved over a 3.5 GPA while three were selected to the conference All-Academic team.
Coach Pipes is an Air Force combat veteran with over 20 years of military experience and holds a master’s degree in administrative leadership from Central Michigan University. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he is a graduate of Wyoming High School where he is a member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Candice, have three children, Thair, Sienna and Stephen.
Steve Pipes is the head football coach of the Air Force Prep Huskies. Pipes is a 1998 graduate of the Air Force Academy, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in social science. He was a three-year letterman in football as a defensive back and led the team in interceptions in 1996. An all-Western Athletic Conference selection, he was on teams that won three Commander-in Chief’s Trophies, one of the school’s three Conference championships, and helped lead the 1997 team to a 10-win season. His coaching career began at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School where he served as the secondary coach, defensive coordinator and head coach. As the secondary coach, Pipes developed All-American Reggie Rembert and Mountain West Conference first- and second- team selections Jon Davis and Anthony Wright. Pipes, again returned to the United States Air Force Academy as the assistant defensive line coach and head JV Coach/defensive coordinator. Under his mentorship, the defensive line produced a two-time All-Mountain West Conference player in Alex Hansen while Ryan Watson led the conference in sacks en route to first-team honors.
Previous to his return to the Air Force Academy Prep School, Coach Pipes was the Kentucky State University defensive coordinator and linebackers coach where he was involved in defensive game planning and execution and preparation of special teams. Additionally, he was the program’s liaison for player academic affairs and mentorship opportunities. During his first season 35 players achieved over a 3.5 GPA while three were selected to the conference All-Academic team.
Coach Pipes is an Air Force combat veteran with over 20 years of military experience and holds a master’s degree in administrative leadership from Central Michigan University. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he is a graduate of Wyoming High School where he is a member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Candice, have three children, Thair, Sienna and Stephen.
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Dr. Melissa Streno earned a PsyD in clinical psychology (2015) and an MA in sport and performance psychology (2010) from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship training with Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (PROS) at The University of Oklahoma. Upon moving back to her native city of Denver, Colo., Streno completed her postdoctoral fellowship within an eating disorder treatment program focusing on developing and leading a track designed specifically for athletes. She spent three years as a primary therapist in the eating disorder partial hospitalization program before venturing into full-time private practice with Lantern Psychology as a licensed psychologist in Colorado. She continues to teach as an Adjunct Professor in the Sport and Performance Psychology Program at the University of Denver as well.
Streno is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and has consulted with youth, high school, collegiate, elite, and Olympic athletes from a variety of sport and performance domains, including dancers and musicians, as well as those active in a business setting. Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image distress, anxiety, depression, and life/relationship transitions. Additionally, she helps those leaving a performance realm maintain valuable parts of their identity and connect with purpose to develop a genuine relationship with food, exercise, and their body.
Dr. Melissa Streno earned a PsyD in clinical psychology (2015) and an MA in sport and performance psychology (2010) from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship training with Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (PROS) at The University of Oklahoma. Upon moving back to her native city of Denver, Colo., Streno completed her postdoctoral fellowship within an eating disorder treatment program focusing on developing and leading a track designed specifically for athletes. She spent three years as a primary therapist in the eating disorder partial hospitalization program before venturing into full-time private practice with Lantern Psychology as a licensed psychologist in Colorado. She continues to teach as an Adjunct Professor in the Sport and Performance Psychology Program at the University of Denver as well.
Streno is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and has consulted with youth, high school, collegiate, elite, and Olympic athletes from a variety of sport and performance domains, including dancers and musicians, as well as those active in a business setting. Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image distress, anxiety, depression, and life/relationship transitions. Additionally, she helps those leaving a performance realm maintain valuable parts of their identity and connect with purpose to develop a genuine relationship with food, exercise, and their body.
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Dr. Charron “CT” Sumler serves as the Assistant Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services at The Ohio State University. She earned a PhD in Counselor Education from Ohio State (2024) and an MA in Counseling from Texas State (2014). In her current role, Dr. Sumler provides individual clinical services, mental performance training, and coach/staff consultation within Ohio State athletics. Dr. Sumler is passionate about creating sport cultures that are safe for all athletes and ensuring that marginalized student-athletes have a voice. She played four years of collegiate basketball and specializes in multicultural counseling, trauma, anxiety and depression.
Dr. Charron “CT” Sumler serves as the Assistant Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services at The Ohio State University. She earned a PhD in Counselor Education from Ohio State (2024) and an MA in Counseling from Texas State (2014). In her current role, Dr. Sumler provides individual clinical services, mental performance training, and coach/staff consultation within Ohio State athletics. Dr. Sumler is passionate about creating sport cultures that are safe for all athletes and ensuring that marginalized student-athletes have a voice. She played four years of collegiate basketball and specializes in multicultural counseling, trauma, anxiety and depression.
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A nationally recognized researcher and mental health professional, Candice Williams, Ph.D. is a Texas native in Boston Massachusetts specializing in mental health counseling and sport performance. She currently serves as the Director of Mind Health and Wellness for the Boston Celtics. Previously, Dr. Williams served as an Athletics Counselor at The Ohio State University Athletics Department – Sports Psychology & Wellness Services where she provided psychotherapy and consultation services to student-athletes, coaches and athletic support staff. Prior to transitioning to college athletics, Dr. Williams served as a Program Manager for The Trust (Powered by the NFLPA). There, she assisted retired NFL players in all aspects of their transition following the success of their NFL career.
As a mental health professional, not only does she lead with care, but she also embodies the spirit of service and advocacy while supporting the well-being of athletes. Her passions include developing player centric programs focused on athlete development and transition, content creation on mental health related topics, as well as providing preventative and responsive training to coaches, parents, mental health professionals, and athletics staff on the importance of athlete mental health and wellness.
Over the past 10 years, Dr. Williams has crafted a respected career and professional reputation supporting the personal and emotional development of athletes at various levels of their athletic careers. An experienced mental health professional Dr. Williams is dedicated to building transformational relationships with stakeholders (i.e., athletes, coaches, sports medicine staff, sports performance staff) and developing innovative ways to foster access between athletes and mental health services.
She has been featured in popular press publications such as ESPN CollegeDay, Men’s Health Magazine, NCAA Champion Magazine, and USA Today – Sports. Dr. Williams is committed to elevating the conversations about mental health and sports performance. She’s a huge advocate for “training the body from the neck up and not just the neck down.” She is passionate about helping athletes move beyond the stigma associated with mental health and towards prioritizing their minds and bodies too.
A nationally recognized researcher and mental health professional, Candice Williams, Ph.D. is a Texas native in Boston Massachusetts specializing in mental health counseling and sport performance. She currently serves as the Director of Mind Health and Wellness for the Boston Celtics. Previously, Dr. Williams served as an Athletics Counselor at The Ohio State University Athletics Department – Sports Psychology & Wellness Services where she provided psychotherapy and consultation services to student-athletes, coaches and athletic support staff. Prior to transitioning to college athletics, Dr. Williams served as a Program Manager for The Trust (Powered by the NFLPA). There, she assisted retired NFL players in all aspects of their transition following the success of their NFL career.
As a mental health professional, not only does she lead with care, but she also embodies the spirit of service and advocacy while supporting the well-being of athletes. Her passions include developing player centric programs focused on athlete development and transition, content creation on mental health related topics, as well as providing preventative and responsive training to coaches, parents, mental health professionals, and athletics staff on the importance of athlete mental health and wellness.
Over the past 10 years, Dr. Williams has crafted a respected career and professional reputation supporting the personal and emotional development of athletes at various levels of their athletic careers. An experienced mental health professional Dr. Williams is dedicated to building transformational relationships with stakeholders (i.e., athletes, coaches, sports medicine staff, sports performance staff) and developing innovative ways to foster access between athletes and mental health services.
She has been featured in popular press publications such as ESPN CollegeDay, Men’s Health Magazine, NCAA Champion Magazine, and USA Today – Sports. Dr. Williams is committed to elevating the conversations about mental health and sports performance. She’s a huge advocate for “training the body from the neck up and not just the neck down.” She is passionate about helping athletes move beyond the stigma associated with mental health and towards prioritizing their minds and bodies too.
Academic Advisory Panel
As the conversation around mental health and wellness continues to garner national attention, TrueSport, the outreach education arm of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, seeks to take a deeper look into the challenges coaches, sport administrators, and families are facing with their student-athletes. In connection with the second TrueSport Talks Symposium, TrueSport has enlisted an academic panel to build out a practical, concise, and evidence-based recommendations report. This report will focus wholistically on athlete well-being and suggest a systems approach to help identify opportunities to decrease stigma and increase the overall health of developmental sport culture.
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Jay Coakley is Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He was the founding editor of the Sociology of Sport Journal and is an internationally respected scholar. His textbook, Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies (13th edition, 2021), along with multiple adaptations and translations, is used in universities worldwide. He co-edited Inside Sports with Peter Donnelly and the Handbook of Sports Studies with Eric Dunning. He continues to do research and consulting focused primarily on making sports more democratic and humane for people of all ages and abilities.
Jay Coakley is Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He was the founding editor of the Sociology of Sport Journal and is an internationally respected scholar. His textbook, Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies (13th edition, 2021), along with multiple adaptations and translations, is used in universities worldwide. He co-edited Inside Sports with Peter Donnelly and the Handbook of Sports Studies with Eric Dunning. He continues to do research and consulting focused primarily on making sports more democratic and humane for people of all ages and abilities.
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Dr. Kirby is a Colorado native that enjoys staying active with her husband and two daughters. She received her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from UCCS, and her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. As an assistant professor at UCCS, Dr. Kirby teaches the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of sport, health, and wellness to include Sport Psychology and Health Behavior Theory for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Kirby’s research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and peer relationships on psychological well-being in sport and physical activity settings. Dr. Kirby currently serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Critical Sport Studies and is the project director for the new Mountain Lion Strong program funded by the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice grant. Mountain Lion Strong is a comprehensive psychoeducation program being developed for student-athletes at UCCS to support student-athlete well-being, resilience, and mental health.
Dr. Kirby is a Colorado native that enjoys staying active with her husband and two daughters. She received her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from UCCS, and her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. As an assistant professor at UCCS, Dr. Kirby teaches the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of sport, health, and wellness to include Sport Psychology and Health Behavior Theory for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Kirby’s research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and peer relationships on psychological well-being in sport and physical activity settings. Dr. Kirby currently serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Critical Sport Studies and is the project director for the new Mountain Lion Strong program funded by the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice grant. Mountain Lion Strong is a comprehensive psychoeducation program being developed for student-athletes at UCCS to support student-athlete well-being, resilience, and mental health.
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Dr. Tomika Ferguson is the assistant dean for student affairs and inclusive excellence and an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Ferguson’s research centers on the intersection of race, gender, sport, and educational equity. Additionally, she explores the influence of equity-minded practice within the professional development of educational and sports leaders.
Her work has been published or featured in the Journal of College Student Development, College Student Affairs Journal, Journal of Research in Leadership Education, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Ferguson is the founder of the Black Athlete Sister Circle (BASC), a holistic development program for Black women student-athletes in higher education institutions. She has professional experience in college access, enrollment management, student affairs, and community engagement. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Dr. Tomika Ferguson is the assistant dean for student affairs and inclusive excellence and an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Ferguson’s research centers on the intersection of race, gender, sport, and educational equity. Additionally, she explores the influence of equity-minded practice within the professional development of educational and sports leaders.
Her work has been published or featured in the Journal of College Student Development, College Student Affairs Journal, Journal of Research in Leadership Education, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Ferguson is the founder of the Black Athlete Sister Circle (BASC), a holistic development program for Black women student-athletes in higher education institutions. She has professional experience in college access, enrollment management, student affairs, and community engagement. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University – Bloomington.
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It was very informative and had an honest conversation about youth athletes and mental health. The speakers also gave practical ideas on how to approach young people about their performance and how it can lead to an increase or decrease in their mental health.
I enjoyed the various speakers, the issues that were discussed and the solutions. I appreciate that athletes shared personal experiences and struggles on this free event. I appreciate that I was able to get this information for free, to have professional athletes and coaches, and other professionals present is a privilege. Thank you TrueSport.
Well-rounded discussion panels. Loved hearing from the athletes as well as the professionals in mental health fields. The atmosphere of the whole seminar was very affirming. Had never heard of this organization before and just happened to open an email I received and was intrigued by what I saw on the website. So glad I signed up for the seminar.
Wow, wow, wow….and wow!!…The passion, love, care, and commitment to youth sport that the speakers and panelists conveyed today were inspiring and contagious!
As a former Olympic coach, I am just gobsmacked at the work TrueSport is doing and gratified that you all are leading the way for athlete well-being.
Mental health is not linear, and it is important to continue to have these conversations so that we are able to provide a healthy environment within sport for the youth.