The Center for Sports Psychology and Performance Enhancement is being created to improve the performance of athletes and teams through psychological skills training.

"An athlete's confidence in his or her abilities is a major factor in winning," said Jeff Pauline, a physical education professor and sports psychology consultant. "The center's staff will help with team-building activities, psychological skills assessment and training."

The center brings together sports psychology professionals from Ball State's Counseling Center, School of Physical Education and athletic department. Each has been working independently with teams and student-athletes for several years.

In addition to Pauline, the staff includes:

• Chris Carr, a sports psychologist with the Methodist Sports Medicine Center in Indianapolis. He provides sports and performance psychology consultation for Ball State's teams, coaches and student-athletes. Carr will be an instructor for the School of Physical Education this summer.
• Lee VanDonselaar, a staff psychologist with the Counseling Center, provides individual counseling for student-athletes on both personal and performance based issues.
• Valerie Wayda, physical education professor, is director of sports psychology and coaching programs. She provides academic guidance for students interested in sports psychology and coaching.

The center will be housed in the Health and Physical Activity Building within the School of Physical Education.

In addition to research and training, the center will provide sports psychology services to the community. Students enrolled in Ball State's sports psychology graduate program will gain experience by working with area high school teams, community organizations, rehabilitation centers and businesses.

The University of North Texas established the first sports psychology program in higher education in 1998.

"However, North Texas is only now working directly with their athletic department while we have already established a strong working relationship with ours," Pauline said. "I believe that relationship, as well as cooperation with the other departments across campus, has been critical in getting this program up and running."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Pauline at jpauline@bsu.edu or (765) 285-3286.)