The focus of the seminar series is to call for experts related to academia and research in the areas related to biomechanics, variability, motor disorders, physical therapy, and related studies.

Presentation Title: Beyond The Game: Examining Critical Social Relationships in Sport

Presentation Abstract:

Social relationships are a salient aspect of sport participation, and understanding relational dynamics within sport can improve the quality of athletes' experiences. This presentation examines interpersonal relationships in sport in two distinct areas. First, the presentation will highlight how significant others shape young athletes' motivation and sport participation by exploring the perspectives of parents, coaches, and administrators as they navigate an increasingly professionalized youth sport environment. Second, the presentation will share key insights regarding volunteer-athlete relationships in adapted sport with specific emphasis on understanding the unique interpersonal dynamic among visually impaired/blind athletes and their sighted guides in the sport of paratriathlon.

About the speaker:

Dr. Meredith Wekesser is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dr. Wekesser received her PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Psychology) from Michigan State University. Her research specialties include positive youth development through sport, coaching, and adapted sport. Dr. Wekesser has received international recognition for her research through the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, Dr. Wekesser is passionate about helping athletes improve their mental game to optimize athletic performance. She has provided sport psychology consultations to athletes at the Division I level across several institutions. Additionally, Dr. Wekesser is the Director of Life Skills Development and Education for the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy where she leads the social emotional and behavioral health sessions, teaching youth athletes life skills that can be applied to their lives beyond sport.