VESTAL, N.Y. -- During the fall semester, Binghamton student-athletes attended mental health workshops by Megan Gossfeld-Schmid, Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist. Topics included "Creating a Visualization and Imagery Routine", "Finding Confidence through Self-Acceptance" and "Polyvagal Theory: Energy Regulation for Optimal Performance". These sessions were rich in education on sport psychology, helping athletes improve their performance and better manage their psychological responses to competition.

"Our Athletics Division highly values supporting student-athletes' mental well-being," Gossfeld-Schmid said. "The VanDerLinde series was created to offer well-being education to student-athletes, and this semester's series focused on topics in mental health and sport psychology. It has been great to see student-athletes engage in this semester's series to learn skills for developing an imagery routine, improving confidence, and regulating their nervous systems."

These presentations took place in the TAU Bearcats Clubroom on campus during the fall 2025 semester. These presentations were part of Ben G. VanDerLinde '84 Memorial Bearcat Speaker Series for Student-Athletes.

Megan Gossfeld-Schmid primarily supports student-athletes' mental wellness goals through individual counseling, outreach, and consultations. Her clinical approach draws from Person-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment, and Dialectical-Behavioral therapy. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, she integrates sport psychology to train psychological skills such as imagery, confidence, energy regulation, and goal setting. Gossfeld-Schmid is passionate about providing services that emphasize personal growth, resilience, and skill development.