Sport

INTERVIEW: SIMON KAWYCZ

By Editor-in-Chief ⋅ February 25, 2008 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

INSIDE THE MIND OF A SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST

Darren Potter

Simon Kawycz is a sport psychology lecturer at Liverpool Hope University. Alongside his academic responsibilities Simon has been employed in a consultancy capacity to enhance the performance of competitors in a variety of sports including Thai boxing, athletics, hockey, football, rugby and golf. Simon has also been drafted in by businesses where he has utilised sport psychology principles to enhance corporate performance and success.

The work of the other members of the sport psychology team at Hope has also been recognised, highlighted by links to the Welsh Hockey Association, GB Bob-Skeleton Association and most recently the English RFU.

Simon, explain sport psychology briefly
In simple terms, sport psychology is how the mind can affect the body and the impact this can have upon performance. This can include areas such as personality, anxiety, motivation, and pre-performance routines to name but a few.

What made you get into sport psychology?
Originally through participating in sport; playing rugby, I recognised the influence the mental side could have on the level of my own performance. I did psychology at A-Level and wanted to know if the two could be combined. Topically enough, my teacher hadn’t even heard of sport psychology. So I ended up researching the area myself, which led me to apply for a degree that covered sport psychology.

What made you choose Liverpool Hope to teach sport psychology?
Perhaps due to its size and definitely due to the quality of people here, Hope impressed me by the way it fosters a good learning and teaching environment. There is a great opportunity to develop sport psychology here and take it forward. This included developing and setting up one of the first undergraduate courses in Sport Psychology, which is accredited by the governing body BPS.6

What does studying sport psychology at Hope offer students?
Our department is particularly interactive and makes for a good working relationship between teachers and students. But to be honest you’d be getting the opportunity to get involved in an area which is continuing to grow extremely fast! Employment in sport psychology is rising constantly and will continue to do so. Having a BPS recognised degree will definitely stand those in good stead that want to go on further within the area of sport psychology.

Does the Hope team’s work with elite level performers highlight the growth and importance of the area?
It shows we’re doing the right things here, but really the fact we work with performers of all levels shows the growth of interest. The benefits are becoming more and more recognised across a number of sports. This also includes across the age ranges from youth athletes to senior all looking for the edge to progress and achieve success.

Where can you see yourself and sport psychology in 5 years time?
I can see myself here at Hope, still in higher education, developing student knowledge, understanding and experiences and continuing my consultancy work in the North West and with nationally and internationally recognised performers. Leading up to London 2012 the knowledge and the use of sport psychology will continue to grow. Everyone from those lining up at the final of the 100 metres to the people watching at home will be more than aware of it.