WVU student dives into research and leadership in psychology of sport and performance

I have always had a passion for sports. I thought I would major in sport management until I came here for a "Decide Day" during my junior year of high school. At the event, I talked to Dustin Donner, who had a degree in sport, exercise, and performance psychology, and he shared with me the possibilities that existed in the field and at WVU.

I was a kicker in high school, and at times I struggled mentally, so the psychology aspects of sports were already an interest of mine. Dustin told me about a book, "The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Peak Performance," and I read it right away. The book opened my eyes and actually improved my performance. I remember a week after I read it, I made a 41-yard field goal.

WVU was one of the only nearby programs offering this type of program at the undergraduate level. I had a few offers to play collegiate football, but I didn't want to sacrifice a career path for just a few more years of playing. Also, my sister graduated from WVU in the elementary education program, so I was already very familiar with WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences.