Arizona State University graduated its first class from the new Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in sport psychology on May 8. The program, offered at ASU’s West Valley campus and through ASU Online, was created to meet the rising demand for mental performance coaches across all levels of athletics.
The field of sports psychology is growing as more teams recognize the value of mental health and performance coaching for athletes. The program was developed through collaboration between the College of Health Solutions and the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
“Sports psychology is sexy. It’s kind of a hot degree right now,” said Lindsey Markwell, a certified sports performance consultant and associate teaching professor in the College of Health Solutions. “With the increased conversation around mental health in sports, there’s been a lot of people that are interested in sports psychology.”
Students learn techniques to help athletes improve focus, manage pressure, and overcome negative thinking. Markwell said, “It’s a lot of building their mental skills. Sports psychology is helping people to get their minds to work for them instead of against them, especially in those high-pressure, critical situations.” She described the two-year degree as bridging psychology and kinesiology with small class sizes that foster close mentorship.
Jake Land, part of this first graduating cohort, has already secured a position as director of sports psychology at Arizona Center for Neurofeedback. “It is one of the most important things that is never talked about,” Land said regarding mental training in sports. “It is one of the sides of the game that has never been flipped over and explored until just recently.”
The program attracts students with diverse backgrounds—some returning after other careers—and offers pathways toward coaching or consulting roles or combining sport with broader mental health work. Ashley Rodarte said her experiences playing youth sports shaped her character: “I gained many life skills through simply participating in sports growing up,” she said.
Matthew Miescke joined after working with ASU Counseling Services: “The program is great for students wanting to pursue a career working with athletes from a peak performance perspective,” he said.
Arizona State University has also been recognized nationally for its innovative programs; it was named number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years according to Arizona State University.
As interest grows nationwide for integrating psychological training into athletic programs at all levels—from youth leagues up to professional teams—the university’s new offering aims to prepare graduates who can support both athletic achievement and well-being.
