University of Western States Enhances Deaflympics Support with Psychology

University of Western States Invests in Deaf Sports Performance
University of Western States (UWS) is excited to announce its collaboration with the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) aimed at enhancing performance psychology services for athletes competing in the Deaflympics. This groundbreaking partnership focuses on providing comprehensive support that addresses the unique challenges faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes.
The Role of Expert Guidance
The initiative will be spearheaded by Dr. Becky Clark, a highly accomplished three-time Deaflympian and gold medalist, who leads the USA Performance Psychology Team. Under her guidance, the UWS team aims to offer athletes effective tools and strategies designed to optimize both their mental health and athletic performance.
A Message from the Leadership
UWS President, Nathan Long, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "By combining our academic focus with practical application, we are creating invaluable opportunities for our students to gain real-world experience while contributing positively to the mental and emotional resilience of Deaflympic athletes." This collaboration aims to equip the U.S. team with essential skills for competing at major international events.
Services Offered to Athletes
Throughout the preparation period leading up to the 2025 Deaflympics, UWS will offer both virtual and in-person support to athletes. Services include personalized mental performance consultations, group training sessions, and essential clinical mental health support.
Cultural Competence Training for Students
UWS is dedicated to providing its students with an understanding of Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL). This knowledge is crucial for effectively communicating with athletes and understanding their specific needs. UWS doctoral students will have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit, marking this partnership as a distinctive study abroad opportunity for the academic year.
Faculty Expertise Enriches the Initiative
Joining Dr. Clark in this initiative are faculty members Dr. Sarah Castillo and Dr. Gily Meir, both seasoned experts in sport and performance psychology. Additionally, Skip Flanagan, a UWS doctoral student with a rich background in Deaf sports, will contribute to the program, further enhancing its effectiveness. His experiences as a former professional baseball player and a co-founder of the National Deaf Athlete Center will bring added depth to the initiative.
Commitment to Mental Health
This collaboration signifies a commitment to uplifting historically underrepresented groups within sports, focusing particularly on Deaf athletes. Dr. Clark remarked, "This initiative provides unprecedented levels of support for Deaf athletes, emphasizing their mental well-being as crucial to their success. We are determined to ensure that they shine on the world stage at the Deaflympics."
Looking Ahead to the Deaflympics 2025
As the U.S. team gears up to compete at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, the comprehensive preparations by UWS and USADSF will help ensure athletes are mentally strong and equipped to handle the pressures of competition. This partnership fosters an environment where athletes can optimize their performance while feeling supported every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the UWS and USADSF partnership?
The focus is on providing tailored sport and performance psychology services to enhance the mental performance of U.S. Deaflympic athletes.
Who leads the performance psychology team?
Dr. Becky Clark, a three-time Deaflympian, leads the performance psychology team for the 2025 Deaflympics.
What services are offered to athletes?
Services include mental performance consultations, group training, and clinical mental health support both virtually and in-person.
How does UWS engage its students in this initiative?
UWS provides students with hands-on experience and cultural competence training in Deaf culture and ASL, offering academic credit for their participation.
What is the overall goal of this collaboration?
The overall goal is to empower Deaflympic athletes with the necessary mental tools to succeed while providing students with real-world learning opportunities.
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