Hometown: Dickson, TN
Current City: Columbus, MS
Other Degrees:
- MS in Recreation and Sport Sciences from Ohio University
- Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Professional Studies from Thomas Jefferson University
- BS in Sport and Health Sciences from American Military University
Other Distinctions:
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant from AASP
- Certified Practitioner from HeartMath
- Multiple Mindfulness Certifications
- Member of the USOPC Mental Performance Directory
Points of Interest:
- Tactical Population SIG Coordinator, AASP
- Application Review Committee, AASP
- Continuing Education Committee, AASP
What brought you to UWS?
I was a soccer coach prior to UWS and the coach licensing programs do not do well in helping coaches understand the mental aspects of coaching. I wanted to connect and enhance more than just the technical and tactical side of sport. One of my professors at Ohio university knew the program director at UWS at the time and connected us. My professor, Dr. Bill Steffen, knew I was a coach and getting into the applied side of sport psychology would suit me best. I was very grateful for the referral to UWS.
What is most rewarding about your work? What is most surprising?
The most rewarding part of my work is helping people and, in my case, I get to help those that serve in the US Armed Forces. As a veteran, it means even more to me to ensure the service member has the best services available when they need it or want it.
The most surprising is that each day is different. Yes, I have a routine and a schedule but as an embedded Cognitive Performance Specialist every day is different just like the people I work with.
Why did you choose UWS? What do you now appreciate about your education?
I chose UWS because of the online platform and the professors. I love the online platform because it fits my lifestyle. I appreciate my education from UWS because it laid the foundation and gave me the ability to problem solve and create programs. I was not a psychology major prior to UWS but took several sport psychology courses in my undergraduate and master’s programs. This is where the interest bug got me.
Is there anything you would tell your younger (UWS/early career) self?
Continue to follow your heart. One of my mentors when I was preparing for medical school told me, “Sarge, follow your heart”. That is when I stopped pushing for medical school because it was too much like a business and not focused on the person sitting in front of you. He has decades of experience in orthopedics to be 45-60 mins behind schedule and not a single patient cared because he was the best. A young up in coming would not have that luxury and I was not ok with that.
Turn towards those that are next to you. I owe so much to my wife because she has been by my side through all the career changes from the military to medical school, to soccer coaching, and now sport psychology. Without her support now of this would have been possible.