Bailey Thompson

Quick Facts

Program: M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Graduation Year: 2021
Current Job Title: Director of Personal Development at Dark Horse Athletics
Hometown: Forest Lake, MN
Current City: Forest Lake, MN

Life at CBU

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
As an ice hockey player, I always put the most emphasis on building our team culture and confidence. I had coaches and mentors who instilled the importance of these things in me, and I saw how powerful they were in our team's success. I wanted to continue providing this training and mentorship for athletes outside of just my own athletic career. Sport and performance psychology allows me to do just that in a variety of settings.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I liked that my program at CBU offered built-in practicum experiences with the performers at CBU. I was able to learn the theories of sport psychology and apply them directly to the teams I was working with the same day. Specifically, I worked with the ROTC program at CBU and absolutely loved getting to work with the cadets and help them improve their confidence, focus and performance in high-pressure situations. I was able to develop relationships with their chain of command, as well, which further influenced my experience as a student.

What did you think about your professors?
I am blessed to continue having a great mentoring relationship with multiple professors from CBU. They taught me how to apply Christian values to my work and have my sessions grounded in biblical truth. No other program could have done that for me.

Did you complete an internship or any field work? 
My field work was mostly completed with the ROTC program at CBU. I was so thankful with how they welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to join them for 6 a.m. workouts, 10-mile rucks and even their annual trip to Camp Pendleton. Being immersed in their culture allowed me to have a better understanding of what their mental performance needs were and thus better equip them with the mental tools they needed.

How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
CBU was the only program I found in sport and performance psychology that had a biblical foundation. Coming out of my program, I now realize how crucial that was for my development as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). My mentors helped me to see the overlap between sport psychology theories and biblical values, and it's no wonder that what Jesus taught us makes us mentally strong! I loved being able to grow in my own understanding of these areas as well as be equipped to help others grow as well.

Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
This program helped me to understand that God was pushing me in this direction for a reason. That I was not only good at what I do, but that He had a plan for me and already had young athletes in need of my help.

Life after CBU

What have you done since graduating?
Shortly after graduating, I obtained my certification as a mental performance consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. I am working as a CMPC at Dark Horse Athletics, which includes FHIT Hockey, MAP Hockey and MEGA Goaltending. At Dark Horse, I work with more than 1,300 athletes in group sessions to teach the basics of sport psychology. I also offer individual sessions to players looking to enhance their mental performance, and I created an online training program for athletes interested in learning specific mental skills tools. Prior to graduating, I published an article titled "Well-Being Therapy: An Approach to Increase Athlete Well-Being and Performance." Since graduating, I have submitted two more articles for publication.

How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
My time at CBU greatly prepared me for life and my career, but mostly because of the people I met while there. My mentors and now colleagues have been such a great tool for me to use whenever I am faced with a challenge and don't know the way. I know that when I turn to them, I will be receiving faith-based responses for how to overcome any situation.

Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
I use everything I learned at CBU every single day at my job. Whether I am creating a curriculum or working with an athlete individually, nearly everything I know about sport psychology is from CBU.

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I have two goals through my career in sport and performance psychology: to equip leaders with biblical values and to help performers establish confidence in who God created them to be. I try to remind myself of these goals every day I go to work to keep myself focused on who and why I do what I do.

Would you recommend CBU to others?
I would 100% recommend CBU to others because of the Christ-based education you receive. It wasn't until I started working that I realized how much I miss being surrounded by Christians every day. Thankfully, I have a solid foundation in my training thanks to CBU and all my mentors.