ARTICLE: Dr. Carly Anderson featured in story highlighting sports superstition and Taylor Swift

Dr. Carly Anderson was featured in USA Today’s specialty section, where she discussed the role of superstition in sports. She explained how rituals and superstitions provide athletes with a sense of control, helping to reduce anxiety and enhance confidence. While these habits may not directly influence performance, they can serve as a powerful psychological tool. Dr. Anderson also highlighted the connection between superstition and the placebo effect, emphasizing how belief itself can shape an athlete’s mindset and experience. We’re proud to see Dr. Anderson’s expertise recognized on a national stage! Read the full article in USA Today to learn more about her insights into the psychology behind sports superstitions. Read […]

Read More

ARTICLE: Dr. Harlan Austin featured in Runner’s World article about 8 Dimensions of Wellness for Runners

“Harlan Austin, Ph.D., principal sport psychologist with Premier Sport Psychology, says this concept comes up often in his work, especially with ultrarunners and triathletes. “The amount of time that they have to put into the training component for these super long races sometimes can really take up a lot of their life,” he tells Runner’s World. “And when the scale gets tipped so far in one direction, we can definitely run the risk of burnout, or just not having enough space or time in our lives for those other aspects of wellness that certainly help make a well-rounded person.” The article “8 Dimensions of Wellness: How to Improve Your Health […]

Read More

Dr. Ben Merkling and the Benefits of Sport Psychology

A Minnesota native, Dr. Ben Merkling serves as a Sport Psychologist and Vice Director of Clinical Services at Premier Sport Psychology. Ben works with athletes ranging from youth to Division 1 collegiate athletes and professionals, and specializes in trauma therapy, anxiety, depression, injury rehabilitation, mindfulness, goal setting, and mental blocks. Why did you get into/pursue a career in sport psychology? I have always loved sports- all sports! As a young athlete, I found the mental side of the game difficult until I was able to find my own high performance mindset late in my career. After my athletic career ended, I found myself very drawn to psychology, and I was […]

Read More

ARTICLE: Dr. Carly Anderson Comments on Simone Biles’ Return to Greatness

“We’re witnessing something extremely rare, something that may not ever come around again,” Premier’s Dr. Carly Anderson comments on Simone Biles’ return to greatness following her outstanding showing at the 2023 World Gymnastic Championships. Read the full article at DW.com.

Read More

Get To Know Dr. Lauren Zimmerman

Premier Sport Psychology is thrilled to welcome Dr. Lauren Zimmerman to its team as a Postdoctoral Resident. A native of Rothsay, Minnesota, Lauren received her Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming and works with individuals of all ages and levels of sport. Lauren also assists with psychological testing for the University of Minnesota Athletics Department.  Learn more about Lauren, her background, and what brought her to Premier!

Read More

ARTICLE: Dr. Justin Anderson Comments on Challenges for Elite Athletes During COVID

“Some players on the bubble felt like they had to grind much harder because they felt they didn’t get the opportunities they would have gotten had it been a full season and Senior Bowls and All-Star games and the Combine. Those guys were feeling shortchanged and it was difficult mentally.” The COVID pandemic and nationwide lockdowns caused stress and uncertainty for individuals of all walks of life. Premier’s Dr. Justin Anderson commented on some of the challenges presented to high-level athletes in a recent article by Matthew Collar of Purple Insider. Read the full article at Purple Insider.

Read More