About Diana
I was your typical college athlete - a member of a college sports team at a fairly small Division I school and my whole world was wrapped up in that sport. I had played other sports, but gymnastics came to define me. So, when I dislocated my elbow as a freshman, I really had no idea which way was up anymore. I was told it would be a six-week recovery. Six Weeks? Ugh! But some miscues by the ER doctor and some bad rehab advice from the surgeon left me with a non-functioning elbow and immobile for 13 months. Luckily, a year of follow-up surgeries and endless physical therapy did finally fix it.
Despite love and support from my family and teammates, no one knew how to help me deal with the fears, frustration, & even depression that persisted. Recovery, rehab and building back my mental strength were hard and lonely, and that is ultimately why I now consult with athletes!
I specialize in working with athletes who have lost their confidence, whether from an injury, fear of failure, or other sport specific fears. I believe I work best with athletes struggling with something in their sport. I help athletes become better, sharper and stronger as they learn to cope with their doubts and overcome fears associated with sport. I also help minimize the emotional roller coaster during injury recovery in order to get you back in the game playing/competing at your best.
I am currently an associate professor at USF, a certified mental performance consultant, a national rated gymnastics judge, and an athlete at heart! Since retiring from gymnastics, I have completed a handful of triathlons, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, and I like to get on my stand up paddle board every chance I get!
Schooling and Credentials
-
BS Psychology, Southeast Missouri State University
-
MS Exercise & Sport Science/Sports Psychology, The University of Memphis
-
PhD Exercise Science, The University of South Carolina
-
Certified Mental Performance Consultant, CMPC
