Psychologist aims to keep 'Mind of the Athlete' healthy

Wildcat Athletics' Student-Athlete Advisory Council this week welcomed sports psychologist Jarrod Spencer, whose latest book – "Mind of the Athlete" – fueled presentations on Wildcats' mental health and how it impacts them in their respective sports. Spencer, an all-state wrestler at Phillipsburg (New Jersey) High School and a tailback on the Lafayette College football team, furthered his commitment to improving athletes' emotional health through a series of Monday discussions with team captains, coaches and athletes. "Dr. Spencer's message conveyed that, with a clearer mind, the chance for overall success is much greater," said Devon M. Sanders, of Bloomsburg, a Penn College pitcher who majors in business administration: sport and event management concentration. "This is really beneficial to student-athletes both on and off the field." The speaker serves professional, Olympic, college and high school teams across the country, and is the sports psychologist for the Philadelphia Flyers. "Dr. Spencer expressed an eye-opening message about the importance of acknowledging when you need help and how that help can be acquired," added Taylor C. Gonzalez, of Lititz, a soccer goalkeeper and nursing student. "It's OK not to be OK."
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer