VESTAL, N.Y. - Capping two days of Welcome Back programming for 400+ Binghamton student-athletes, renowned sports psychologist, consultant and author Dr. Jarrod Spencer shared his message of "Clearer Mind, Better Performance" Monday morning in the Events Center. 

In front of an engaged audience of BU's 21 sports teams, Dr. Spencer spoke about improving the emotional health of athletes, coaches and leaders. His presentation included engaging exercises and discussion, layered with personal experience and expertise. Spencer grew up not too far away in Bethlehem, Pa., and drew on his personal background as a football player (and regular foe of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). Spencer went on to become a record-setting tailback at Lafayette College and is now a prominent mental health advocate, having written two books and appeared on national media such as BBC, CNN, Fox News and ESPN Radio. He serves as the sports psychologist for numerous professional and collegiate athletes and teams. 

"I think the message Dr. Spencer delivered today is an extremely important one that resonated with a lot of athletes," graduate student and softball player Alli Richmond said. "Mental health is a topic we need to continue to be educated on and have meaningful conversation around. I think the presentation today was a great tool to provide us with some tips and takeaways about how to have a clearer mind in stressful situations and be the best versions of ourselves, both in and out of athletics. It's easy to be anxious about the future, but Dr. Spencer reminded us about the importance of focusing on the present." 

Prior to speaking to the student-athletes, Dr. Spencer addressed BU's coaches and staff, sharing best practices for emotional health. 

"Positive mental health continues to be a focus for the Binghamton Athletics Department," Interim Director of Athletics Dennis Kalina said. "We wanted to make sure that we started the year with an encouraging message and skill development for our student-athletes, coaches and staff. Dr. Spencer gave all of us the inspiration for creating positive mental health for us as individuals and within our department."
 
The multi-day programming also included presentations from members of the University's Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Health Promotion and Prevention Services, Counseling Center, Dining Services and athletics support staff.