Kelsey speaking about "Identity Beyond Sport" with 8x WCWS National Champion Oklahoma Women's Softball Team in January 2024.

Mental Performance Coaching

As I am pursuing my CMPC, I am currently accepting clients for mental performance coaching. 

Individual (1-on-1)

My mission is to help clients unlock their full potential, build confidence, and experience real fulfillment as they work towards their goals. 

Teams

Helping teams build resilience, cohesion, and a high-performance mindset through mental performance training and leadership development.

Coaches/Parents/Caregivers

Supporting an athlete through challenges can be challenging, and I’m here to guide parents, caregivers, and coaches through that journey. Our adults need support too! 

Snapshot Resume

Education

  • Master of Social Work (MSW), NC State University – May 2025
  • Actively Pursuing Certification for Mental Performance Consulting (CMPC) - In Progress
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), NC State University – May 2023

Background

  • Former Division I softball player for NC State University.
  • Experience working in mental health with collegiate student-athletes through AthleteTalk, a mental health and wellness platform for athletes.
  • Several years of experience working with youth as a student-teacher, youth coach, and non-profit intern.
  • Five years of experience in researching topics that include emotional intelligence and athlete mental health.

Organizations

  • Member of the Athletes for Hope Mental Health Alliance
  • Member of Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP) and Counsel on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • Member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS) 
  • Ethos Education Village Champion 
  • Member of MicDrop Workshop

Publications

  • Ruth, T., Bullock, K., O'Connor, K. (2024) Emotional Intelligence and Clinician Empathy: An Interdisciplinary Model for Understanding and Addressing Clinician Disruptive Behavior. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 14(1), 182-192.
  • Ruth, T., & O’Connor, K. (2020). The role of Social Work in Integrating Mental Health Students in Traditional School Settings: Community Care Approach. J Ment Health Soc Behav 2(1):119. https://doi.org/10.33790/jmhsb1100119