“The Sport Consultation and Psychological Counseling programs for Student-Athletes has enhanced our ability not only to serve the needs of Intercollegiate Athletics faculty and staff, but also the growing and diverse needs and interests of University of California, Davis students.”
Emil Rodolfa, CAPS Director

“Adding the element of sport consulting and psychological counseling to our total athletic program will continue to add to our individual student-athlete and programmatic success.”
Pam Gill-Fisher, Associate Athletic Director

“In intercollegiate athletics at UC Davis, we provide our student-athletes with a variety of resources that enhance their academic, athletic, and personal goals. Working with a sport consultant pays tremendous dividends – in athletic competition, in the classroom, and in life!”
Michelle Roppeau, Director of Athletic Academic Advising, Student-Athlete Guidance Services

“I really felt like I was able to open up with my teammates. It was nice to be able to share.”
Gymnastics

“I use the negative thought-stopping techniques a lot. In school, sports, and pretty much my life.”
Soccer

“It was good to be able to talk about both the positive and negative aspects of the workouts and to hear what motivates and helps my teammates. I could better understand what my teammates are going through and how I can best support them.”
Gymnastics

“Our team received different ways in which we could learn about each other. I had the chance to really get to know some of my teammates that I wouldn't normally converse with.”
Softball

“I was finally able to relax my neck muscles, which I've never been able to do. I learned how to shut my mind down.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member

“It made me aware of the destructive tendencies of negative thinking.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member

“The goal-setting activity has helped a lot - there was one week I didn't set any goals and it was probably my worst week of the quarter. Also, the refocusing technique (centering) helps me keep my attitude right during hard times of practice.”
Gymnastics

“To be reminded that athletics is not all physical and that mental development is important to athletic success was beneficial.”
Volleyball

“I think this has helped me understand where my teammates are coming from and it helped let me know what I can do to be the best teammate I can be. I know what motivates my team, so I try to do those things.”
Gymnastics

“It was great, totally what I need to work on to improve my performance. It [The Mental Skills Bulding Group] told me how.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member

“Good! It reinforced breathing ways to keep me calm and focused on my goals/present events. It taught me to breath through my abdomen.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member

“I've been trying to read certain situations before I react first in order to be more flexible with my emotions because I tend to be overly sensitive in my reactions.”
Softball

“Talking about being a competitor and our current motivation helped me identify that I thrive off of and become more competitive when I see myself improve. Knowing this, I was able to focus more during practice.”
Volleyball

“Psychological counseling helped me deal with fears, stress, and nerves. I looked forward to the sessions.”
Gymnastics

“Talking in small groups helped us to get to know one another better since there isn't really time for that during practice. Learning how to communicate with each other on a personal level will be helpful.”
Softball

“It has been fun and I feel I've learned a lot about my teammates. Keep up the good work.”
Softball

“I think having someone come in and set up specific reasons for our team to talk to each other about what everyone is feeling was really good because I don't think we would have done it by ourselves.”
Gymnastics

“Thanks! You guys did great and were very helpful.”
Softball

“Meetings were a positive way to get us thinking and talking about how to make changes to our game.”
Volleyball

“At this point, the relationship side of the activities has been the most beneficial in that knowing my teammates and what/how I can help them is extremely worthwhile.”
Softball

“I have used my confidence building technique (drawing on past accomplishments to gain confidence when I am faltering in games) that I learned in our meetings during games.”
Volleyball

“I have tried to be more positive in everything I do, whether gymnastics or academically. It has helped me to relax easier.”
Gymnastics

“I'm thinking more before I'm acting and I'm taking responsibility for my actions.”
Soccer

“Visualization was by far the most helpful. It showed me how to bring back feelings from the past and use them in the present.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member

“The questions and answers after learning the techniques helped me apply it to myself.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member

“I have learned a lot about the girls on the team and feel more comfortable interacting with them. I have also learned to be more patient and to control my feelings.”
Softball

“Some of the thought-stopping techniques and attitude exercises (really thinking about why I feel/act the ways I do sometimes) and seeing what other people were going through was beneficial.”
Soccer

“I leaned a lot about being an athlete and how to be a successful student-athlete. It takes a lot more persistence, discipline, and rewards than I ever thought previously - specifically, dealing with focus, time management, and the importance of sleep.”
Volleyball

“We did a lot of helpful teambuilding and just hanging out to get to know each other better. It was fun and I looked forward to the exercises we did.”
Softball

“It helped to relax me, learn how to breathe correctly, and reduce tension.”
Mental Skills Building Group Member