Rebecca A. Zakrajsek

Rebecca A. Zakrajsek is an Associate Professor of Sport Psychology at the University of Tennessee, affiliated with the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies (KRSS) within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She holds certifications as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) and has over 15 years of academic experience, transitioning from Assistant Professor (2011–2017) to her current role.

Education: PhD in Sport & Exercise Psychology (West Virginia University), MA in Counseling and Sport Psychology (West Virginia University), BS in Psychology (Baldwin-Wallace College).

Research focuses on applied sport psychology, including consultation efficacy, coach development, and mental training integration across sport personnel. Key areas include sport injury rehabilitation, interprofessional collaboration between mental health and performance services, and optimizing athlete-coach relationships through evidence-based strategies.

Recent work highlights trends in NCAA Division I sport psychology service utilization, military ROTC mental skills programs, and strength & conditioning coaches' perceptions of psychological strategies. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters demonstrate expertise in athlete well-being, coaching education, and interdisciplinary practice.

Zakrajsek serves as co-director of the Applied Sport Psychology Laboratory, Associate Editor for Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology, and chairs the AASPF Community Outreach Grant Committee. She actively reviews for 6+ top-tier journals and maintains leadership roles in professional organizations like AASP.