Bailey Berquist combines all of her interests in the Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling program.

For Bailey Berquist, choosing the University of South Carolina was easy — it was love at first sight on her campus visit. After attending a smaller high school in Maryland, she knew she wanted a place where she could make a larger impact. She enjoyed campus, sports and all the highlights the university had to offer.

“USC had everything I wanted,” says Berquist, “I was so happy with my decision of coming here.”

As a freshman, she majored in special education. She cultivated a love of education while working in schools during high school and volunteered in classrooms when she had spare time. Her whole family works in education, so the choice was natural.

When the College of Education launched the new major in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling, a different path emerged.

“I’ve always played sports,” says Berquist. “In high school I played field hockey and lacrosse. At USC, I played club field hockey and intramural pickleball. I am very active even if I am not a student athlete.”

Berquist had a passion for psychology and counseling, so this major presented an opportunity to blend her interests. She was the first student to transfer into the major when it launched. Her favorite part of the program so far is the study of mental performance skills and how vastly they can be applied.

“It’s easy to see how mental performance applies to sports, but really it can apply to all aspects of your life,” says Berquist.

Her class with Professor Eckenrod showed her how these skills can benefit a range of audiences, from students in schools to elite military professionals. She also enjoyed her classes in sport psychology. During the summer, she interned at Johns Hopkins with the director of athlete mental health and performance. Three times a week she would participate in meetings with athletes and the director for check-in sessions. Some were virtual and some in person, but all presented her with skills she will take into her future career. As an intern, she created programming for the upcoming fall semester, including a six-week session for the lacrosse team. She saw firsthand how what she was learning in class could be applied in a professional setting.

This semester Berquist is working on a research project with doctoral student, Skyler Allen, under the supervision of Eckenrod. They are studying NCAA collegiate coaches' attitudes toward mental health service. After she finishes her undergraduate study, she plans to jump right into the fifth-year master’s program in coaching. This accelerated program will help Berquist continue toward her ultimate goal of a doctorate in clinical psychology.

“Blending my love of sports and working with kids, or student athletes, will be a great niche,” says Berquist. “I am very excited about the accelerated program, and I hope to complete the Certified Mental Performance Consultant exam as well.”

Berquist cites the small class sizes and personal mentorship from professors as two of the program’s biggest highlights.

“My professors have wealth of knowledge,” says Berquist. “That’s something I’ve really enjoyed. They are so excited about the material and offer many opportunities to get involved. Many of my classes are discussion based, so I really get to know my peers, as well.”

For more information about the B.S. in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling, visit sc.edu/education.