And then they feel a sense of entitlement, like I've done the work, I've set the goals, I'm improving, I'm watching myself accomplish my goals. So now, when you're in the heat of competition, you feel like you belong there. I think Coach K does a fabulous job at group dynamics. He gets his people believing in themselves, he makes them proud of themselves, and he also works them extremely hard so that when they get on the court they feel entitled to win. Sports psychology is becoming a more established part of the athletic landscape because student-athletes face an assortment of pressures, not only to perform on the field but in the classroom as well.
Athletes recovering from injuries face a number of psychological obstacles as well.
Athletes are asked to accomplish tremendous academic things at a good school like Duke while spending enormous amounts of hours doing something in addition to that. But he's available when needed, such as when Webb required a boost last year. It's not like she came for a massive reworking of her psychology. Likewise, Duke coaches and athletes feel lucky to have Eimers on board. I think his greatest asset is he's not only a sports psychologist, but he's also a family therapist, so he understands development and that, to me, is worlds above someone who is just helping athletes focus better.