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 Dave Yukelson

Dave YukelsonI am responsible for coordinating sport psychology and mental training services for all 29 teams here at Penn State University. Interested in psychological factors associated with performance excellence in sport and life, I provide counseling and support to our student-athletes and coaches in the areas of motivation and goal setting, mental preparation and focusing strategies for managing peak performance under pressure, confidence and mental toughness, leadership and team cohesion, and issues pertaining to interpersonal communication skills and student-athlete development.

A native of North Hollywood, California, I have been happily married for 33 years, my wife Marla and I have three wonderful children: Adam (25), Joshua (23), and Drew (20).

I can honestly say I love what I do. I am totally committed to the field of Sport Psychology (Past-President of AAASP, an international organization consisting of over 1200 members), and wish every University had a full time Sport Psychologist working closely with their schools intercollegiate athletic program. The things I like the most about my job are the day-to-day interactions I have with coaches and student-athletes, and the quality of relationships that have evolved over the years.

y39@psu.edu


Video Clips

"I'm just one support person who's in the background, trying to help them find the focus that works for them..."
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"...the thing I love most about the job is the interaction with the coaches and the athletes..."
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Home > Working for Success > Sport Psychology

Sports Psychology - Getting Focused

A sport psychologist provides counseling and support to student-athletes in the areas of mental preparation strategies for training and competition, visualization and performance planning, confidence and mental focusing, motivation and stress management, interpersonal communication skills, and coping skill strategies for dealing with various transitions and adjustments to college life.

Dave Yukelson's Bio

Sport Psychology Services Brochure

"Sport Psychologist helps Penn State athletes with their mental games" - featured article that appeared in the Centre Daily Times

"Sports psychologist stresses mental game" - featured article that appeared in the Daily Collegian

Interview with thefootballprofessor.com - Dave Yukelson reflects on Sport Psychology and Mental Training


Mental Training Handouts


Visualization
Group Cohesion and Team Building

Mental Training for Baseball
Understanding and Controlling the Mental Side of Golf
Mental Toughness in Sports

Sport Psychology Class Outlines
Mental Training for Peak Performance in Sport
Psychology of Coaching

For additional information about Sport Psychology, contact Dave Yukelson at 865-0407 or y39@psu.edu.

Yukelson with Students Yukelson with Students Yukelson with Students

 

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