It was at this point that the value of mental preparation first affected me. And it all began to make sense. They leave it up to the athletes to do it themselves. Her curiosity about mental preparation led Desir e to combine a physical education and psychology degree at Michigan State. As an undergrad, she also took a few graduate classes offered in sports psychology.
Mental preparation separates the good from the great athletes.
Following graduation from Michigan State, Desir e sought out schools where she could pursue her passion - sports psychology. The University of Texas, Denton, became her best option where she would be able to teach undergraduate classes as a graduate assistant in the daytime, coach the track team during the afternoon and take courses at night. In 1982, Desir e received her master's degree from Texas and stayed on at the school as a full-time assistant. After three years, she moved to a head-coaching position at Angelo State, San Angelo, Texas, where she coached the women's track team and also served as the interim men's coach. It was in the beginning stages of opportunity and Title IX for women in sports.