What is Husky Sport Psychology Services?

Husky Sport Psychology Services (HSPS) is a program within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The HSPS staff consist of two members of the faculty in the Psychology Department, Ron Smith, Ph.D., and Frank Smoll, Ph.D., who supervise the program and two doctoral students in Sport Psychology, Thad Leffingwell and Shelley Wiechman who serve as Staff Consultants. Thad and Shelley work directly with student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and team physicians. Thad and Shelley have offices in the Conibear Shell House, Rooms 211 and 212. For information on contacting Thad and Shelley, see below. For more information about Thad and Shelley, click here.

What services are available through HSPS?

HSPS offers a variety of psychoeducational services to UW student-athletes and coaches including:

  • Educational workshops to UW teams on topics including goal-setting, imagery and visualization, relaxation and intensity regulation, and concentration control.
  • Individual consultations to Husky student-athletes on similar topics for improved performance on the playing field and in the classroom.
  • Helping student-athletes use and develop psychological skills for overcoming temporary performance problems like anxiety or slumps.
  • Helping student-athletes use and develop psychological skills for coping with injuries, enhancing recovery from injuries, and enhancing performance upon return to competition.
  • Counseling for student-athletes dealing with adjustment to college, balancing roles, difficult decisions, or other temporary difficulties.
  • Referrals for appropriate psychological assessment or treatment when necessary.

Who is eligible to use the services? How much does it cost?


Any UW student-athlete is eligible to take advantage of any HSPS services. The services are available at no cost to student-athletes. Call, e-mail, or stop by the office to make an appointment.

How do I contact HSPS?

It's easy to contact HSPS staff consultants:

  • Call 685-4441 (Thad) or 685-4442 (Shelley). Voice mail is available.
  • E-mail HSPS at hsps@u.washington.edu (click on address to e-mail now).
  • Stop by the offices in Conibear Shell House 211 (Shelley) and 212 (Thad).

What about the class in Human Performance Enhancement?


The psychology department offers a course in Human Performance Enhancement (PSYCH 201), which covers theory, research, and application of psychological principals in human performance, including athletic performance. HSPS staff consultants serve as teaching assistants for the course. Students in the course will create their own performance enhancement project (PEP) which outlines a program of applying psychological skills to a specific performance improvement area. The course is offered in both Winter and Summer quarters for 3 credits. During the summer quarter, a 2 credit companion laboratory class is available which addresses special topics in human performance enhancement.