Jordan Smith

Why FSU?

I chose FSU becuase it is one of the best Sport Psychology programs in the nation. FSU provides an expertise in both research with the sport psychology field and hands-on applied work with athletes. Additionally, I wanted to work with Dr. Svenja Wolf to study how emotions influence athlete's athletic performance.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I wanted to pursue a graduate degree to enhance my learning within the sport psychology field. My undergraduate and master's degrees were solely focused on the general side of psychology. I was always the girl who tried to make everything about sports. FSU provided the opportunity to have a program already tailored to the needs of sport and to assist individuals with earning their CMPC license.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

There is one thing every sport has in common and that is victory celebrations. These celebrations of victory provide information to onlookers about the athlete's beliefs, feelings, attitudes, and behavioral intentions and, in response, onlookers may feel different types of emotions (admiration, awe, envy, or jealousy). Thus, my research focused on how perceptions of a teammate's pride predict an emotional response and corresponding behaviors. Accessing how teammates interpret the pride displays of their teammates may be effective in understanding the type of emotions experienced, thus predicting, and potentially preventing, the consequences of maladaptive behaviors.

Career aspirations

My dream job is to work within a Formula One team. Most teams have developmental teams (i.e., pipelines) to help youth athletes become elite drivers. I want to work within these pipelines to help smooth the transition from division to division. Additionally, I would like to work with the top drivers to develop their optimal zone of functioning.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Within sport psychology, there are various pathways you can choose to achieve your career ambitions. Whether you enjoy research or want to work hands-on with athletes, a master's degree will be required. The big question will be whether you would like to continue and get your PhD. My advice would be to always remember WHY you want to be in this field and how you would like to help athletes (research or hands-on applied work).

Accomplishments during graduate career

I presented at an international conference in Padova, Italy. I also received the College of Education Travel Scholarship and the Hazel Royall Stephens O’Connor Dillmeier Endowed Fellowship in Sport Psychology.