Sport Psychology & Counseling

Sport Psychology & Counseling

LSU Athletics

Who We Are?

  • Mission

    To empower student-athletes to thrive by advancing mental health, holistic wellness, and human performance through exceptional clinical care, innovative programming, education, and collaborative partnerships.

    Vision

    To be the national and global model for integrated sport psychology, mental health, counseling and wellness services in collegiate athletics—transforming the student-athlete experience and redefining excellence in sport and life through excellence, innovation, and impact.

    Core Values

    • Student-Athlete Centered Excellence – Prioritizing the unique needs, goals, experiences, and aspirations of every student-athlete.
    • Whole-Person Wellness & Development – Promoting mental, emotional, social, cultural, academic, and performance well-being.
    • Innovation & Leadership – Advancing new ideas, practices, and models of care that shape and advance the future of collegiate athletics.
    • Collaboration & Community – Building meaningful partnerships across athletics, campus, and beyond.
    • Belonging & Humility – Creating environments where every individual is seen, valued, respected, and empowered.
    • Integrity, Excellence, & Accountability – Upholding the highest standards of care, ethical practice, service, trust, and professionalism.

What We Do

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    Services Offered

    Individual Counseling

    Issues may include, but are not limited to:

    • Homesickness
    • Anxiety
    • Depression/Sadness
    • Test Taking & Academic Concerns
    • Culture & Identity Development:
      – Race, Ethnicity, & National Origin
      – Women
      – LGBTQ+
      – Religion & Spirituality
      – Disability & Ability
      – Non-Traditional Student-Athletes
    • Interpersonal Relationship & Dating
    • Low Confidence & Self-Esteem
    • Lack of Motivation
    • Performance Slumps/Distractibility in Competition
    • Substance Use/Drug & Alcohol Education
    • Anger Management
    • Mental Performance & Skills Training

    Group Counseling

    Specialized Team Building, Mental Performance, & Wellness Plans/Assessments

    Clinical Internship Program for Master’s Level Clinical Mental Health & Social Work Students (LSU Only)

Programs, Initiatives, & Resources

Meet Our Staff

LaKeitha Poole

LaKeitha Poole

Office of the Athletics Director
Assistant AD/Sport Psychology & Counseling (BVB, GYM, VB)
Bruce Buggs

Bruce Buggs

Sport Psychology & Counseling
Associate Director/Performance & Training (BSB, CH, FB, MBB, MG, TF, XC)
Christine Sotile

Christine Sotile

Sport Psychology & Counseling
Assistant Director/Advocacy & Outreach (FB, MT, SB, SC, S&D, TG, WBB, WG, WT)

Meet Our Interns

Malea Jackson

Malea Jackson

Sport Psychology & Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Intern
Olivia Townsend

Olivia Townsend

Sport Psychology & Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Intern

Dr. LaKeitha Poole, LPC-S, CMPC - Intro Video & Office Tour

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Bruce Buggs, II, LPC-S, NCC - Intro Video & Office Tour

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Christine Sotile, LCSW - Intro Video & Office Tour

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