Career Options for a Sports Psychologist

1. Career Options for a Sports
Psychologist
By: Georgette Topalis

2. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
An athlete with notable accomplishments in both basketball and soccer, Georgette Topalis is
pursuing a degree in psychology at Winona State University in Minnesota. Georgette Topalis’s
studies have ignited an interest in sports marketing and sports psychology.

3. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
Drawing on knowledge of physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, sports psychology is an
interdisciplinary study that focuses on how psychology influences sports, athletic performance, and
physical activity. Many sports psychologists work with athletes to help them increase motivation
and enhance performance. Others use sports and athletic pursuits as therapeutic activities to help
people in their daily lives.

4. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
Areas of specialization include applied sports psychology, clinical sports psychology, and
academic sports psychology.

5. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
-An applied sports psychologist focuses on teaching athletes skills that help them improve their
performance. This is often accomplished with goal setting and visualization techniques. He or she
might also be called on by teams or coaches in an advisory capacity to counsel athletes who are
struggling with anxiety or a personal crisis. Additionally, applied sports psychologists help in youth
sports, teach instructional techniques to coaches and trainers, and develop positive team
dynamics.

6. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
-A clinical sports psychologist uses an approach that blends mental training techniques with
psychotherapy to help athletes who are suffering from mental health problems.

7. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
-An academic sports psychologist conducts research and teaches at a college or university.

8. Career Options for a Sports Psychologist
Usually, sports psychologists work as part of an interdisciplinary team at hospitals, clinics, gyms,
and the rehab centers of schools. They can also operate a private practice or offer their services as
a consultant.