10/29/2026
Members of JMU’s Challace J. McMillin Center for Sport Psychology attended the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Conference in Minneapolis last week, presenting research, sharing expertise, and earning recognition!
Clinical and School Psychology doctoral students Lauren Shoss, Bryan Ramirez, Briana Bunner, and Stephanie Vilenkin presented on integrating mental health and mental performance services in Division III athletics. Special thanks to advisor Dr. Bob Harmison for his mentorship!
Dr. Harmison also presented on the evolution of theoretical approaches throughout a sport psychology career. Dr. Lori Gano-Overway (Kinesiology) presented on caring climates, interpersonal communication, and well-being in coaching.
McMillin Center members presented research on:
• Mental health literacy and post-athletic career transitions — Lauren Shoss
• Psychological skills training for music performance anxiety — Stephanie Vilenkin
• Stress mindset, competitive anxiety, and motivational climates — Jason Kaul
• Athlete mental health triage and su***de prevention — Duke Biber, PhD (Health Sciences)
• Mental imagery, arousal regulation, and athlete wellness and — Sarah Carson Sackett, PhD (Kinesiology)
• The “Human Element” in undergraduate exercise science education — Sarah Carson Sackett, PhD (Kinesiology)
Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
Lauren Shoss received a student travel award for her dissertation research on mental health literacy training for student-athletes whose athletic careers were unexpectedly cut short.
Dr. Lori Gano-Overway received an AASP Teaching Excellence Award recognizing her outstanding teaching and contributions to sport, exercise, and performance psychology.
We’re proud of our students and faculty for representing JMU and advancing applied sport psychology! 💜💛