In this episode, Coach Andy discusses the science behind mental toughness with Dr. Krista Chandler of the University of Windsor. Dr. Chandler’s areas of research include the use of imagery in sport, the application of sport psychology interventions, exercise and mental health, and disability sport.   

Dr. Chandler has been a Faculty member in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Windsor since 1999, specializing in sport, exercise and performance psychology. In addition to her teaching and research (specializing in visualization and mental skills training), she has her own consulting business, The Mental Link, in which she works with individuals striving to enhance their sport performance through the use of mental training.  

Through The Mental Link, she has counseled both able-bodied athletes and athletes with a disability from the recreational through to the Olympic level.  In this respect, Krista traveled to Beijing in September 2008 with the Canadian Paralympic Boccia and Swimming teams and staged with the Canadian Paralympic Swim team prior to the London 2012 Games.  She has traveled with sport teams to the Para Pan American Games, World Championships and various International Competitions. Other notable athletes with whom she has worked include Canadian Olympic Ice Dancing team, world champion boxer and OHL Windsor Spitfires Organization.  

As both an athlete and a coaching professional, Dr. Chandler recognizes the importance of staying well informed of new developments in research and consulting techniques.  In this respect, Krista has an active research program to ensure that the individuals with whom she works are able to use every tool possible to achieve peak performance.  

For more on Dr. Chandler’s work visit the University of Windsor website!