Franklin College Introduces First Sports Psychologist to Address Athlete Mental Health

October 30, 2026 - 01:28

From performance pressure, negative self-talk and emotional regulation, to balancing course loads, daily practices and finances, Division III athletes are under a unique amount of stress. At Franklin College, over the past several years, conversations about mental health have grown louder, and the athletics department has responded by creating a new position dedicated to supporting student athletes beyond their physical training.

The college recently welcomed its first sports psychologist, a role designed to help athletes navigate the psychological demands of competition while managing the everyday realities of college life. The position reflects a broader shift in college athletics, where mental performance is increasingly recognized as just as important as physical conditioning.

Student athletes often face a distinct set of challenges. Unlike their Division I counterparts, Division III athletes do not typically receive athletic scholarships, meaning they juggle rigorous practice schedules alongside academic workloads and, in many cases, part-time jobs. The pressure to perform in multiple areas at once can take a toll that goes unnoticed.

The sports psychologist will work directly with teams and individual athletes, offering strategies for handling anxiety, building confidence and maintaining focus during high-stakes moments. The role also includes educating coaches and staff on how to recognize signs of distress and create environments where athletes feel comfortable asking for help.

Early feedback from athletes has been positive, with many saying the resource fills a gap that previously went unaddressed. Coaches have noted that mental resilience can be a deciding factor in close competitions, and having a dedicated professional on campus gives teams an edge that extends beyond the scoreboard.

The college plans to expand the program in the coming years, integrating mental health resources more deeply into the athletic department's overall approach to student wellness. For now, the message is clear: taking care of the mind is part of taking care of the athlete.