Mastering the Competitive Advantage

 Performance anxiety can be a daunting opponent. This presentation, "Mastering the Competitive Advantage: Addressing Performance Anxiety in Athletes," is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage performance anxiety.

The presentation will explore the unique challenges athletes face, such as high expectations, competitive pressures, and the ever-present fear of injury. Attendees will gain insights into the unique symptoms of performance anxiety that can impact athletic performance, including physical, emotional, and cognitive effects.

The presentation will offer practical strategies tailored for athletes, focusing on preparation, mental imagery, routine development, and the importance of supportive networks. We will discuss how focusing on the process rather than outcome reduces pressure and can enhance performance.

Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of how to manage performance anxiety in the athletic population, its unique causes, and targeted strategies can lead to improved performance. 

Objectives

•  Understand the Unique Challenges Faced by Athletes.
•  Identify Symptoms of Performance Anxiety.
•  Explore Practical Strategies for Athletes.
•  Highlight the Importance of Supportive Networks.
•  Focus on Process Over Outcome.
•  Promote Professional Resources and Support.

About Zellessia S. Ejalonibu

Zellessia S. Ejalonibu is a Licensed Professional Counselor and enters her second year as the assistant director of psychological resources for student-athletes (PROS) at Oklahoma in 2024-25.

In addition to her role as a vital resource to Oklahoma's student-athletes, Zellessia is the Co-Coordinator of the Race and Ethnicity in Sport Special Interest Group for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). She has presented on various topics surrounding culturally centered practices, mental health in athletics, social media, and stress management.

Prior to her arrival at Oklahoma, she was the assistant director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Mississippi State for two years. She also spent three seasons as the Mental Performance Coach for girls' basketball at Bishop Noll Institute before her time in Starkville.

Zellessia earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Tougaloo College and her graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Governors State University. For 14 years, she has worked with various clinical populations in many clinical settings, including community mental health, substance use treatment, college/university students and student-athlete populations, as well as some private practice.

Zellessia has extensive experience working with clients dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, grief and loss, attachment issues, burnout, injury, and confidence and performance issues. She uses a variety of theoretical orientations to collaboratively work with clients to provide support for continuous growth.

Zellessia prides herself on being at the convergence of clinical counseling and sports and performance. She believes in treating the complete person and emphasizing overall wellness through mind, body, and spirit.

In her free time, Zellessia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching and attending various sporting events, and attending live concerts.