Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - January 2026

12 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 - By Deirdre Donovan - I t’s the final minutes of a conference championship game. The score is tied. A student-athlete stands at the free-throw line, heart pounding, muscles tense, and the roar of the crowd is fading into a blur. In that instant, what determines success isn’t just the thousands of hours spent in the gym; it’s the mind. The athlete takes a deep breath, visualizes the perfect shot, and releases. Moments like this reveal the truth that’s becoming harder to ignore: physical training alone no longer guarantees peak performance. Today, athletes who rise above the rest are those who train their minds with the same intensity as their bodies. This is where sport psychology enters the game. Drawing from both scientific research and real-world practice, sports psychology provides tools to sharpen focus, manage pressure, and enhance consistency. As the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) and other experts emphasize, mastering mental skills isn’t optional; it is essential for athletic success. WHAT IS SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY ANDWHYDOES ITMATTER? Sports psychology examines how mental and emotional factors such as motivation, attention, confidence, and anxiety affect athletic performance. Sports psychologists work with athletes to strengthen these areas through techniques like goal setting, imagery, and self- talk. They also help with performance slumps, injury, recovery, and team cohesion. The BJSM describes sports psychology as a discipline that helps athletes “stabilize and improve performance through balancing mental processes and physical demands.” In other words, success isn’t just about how hard an athlete can push their body; it is also about how well they can regulate their mind. Despite its proven value, many athletes and coaches still undervalue mental training. While strength and conditioning programs are standard, mental skills sessions often remain optional or nonexistent. This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity: athletes who embrace mental training can gain a significant competitive edge. Keiser University – Flagship Campus Strengthening theMind Game HOW SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY ELEVATES ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE