These trailblazing Black women are redefining performance psychology with unmatched swagger
Revolutionizing sports psychology
In an industry traditionally known for its focus on physical prowess, where mental health often took a backseat to performance stats, the Magnificent Seven is shaking things up like a game-changing play. This powerhouse group of Black women mental performance experts is revolutionizing the world of sports psychology. They are reshaping the way athletes approach their mental game, combining professional excellence with an undeniable sense of sisterhood and empowerment. These women are flipping the script, changing how mental health is viewed in athletics, and they’re doing it with flair.
The squad goals revolution
Meeting the Magnificent Seven feels like discovering a secret club where excellence meets authenticity. What started as a casual group chat has evolved into something far more significant: a movement. This is no ordinary professional team. They have collectively transformed what was once a narrow, predominantly white field of sports psychology into a dynamic and inclusive space. The squad’s diversity in both experience and perspective has enriched the field, offering athletes more ways to connect, grow, and find the support they need. They’ve brought mental health to the forefront of athletics, making it as essential as physical training.
From text thread to power circle
The transformation from a group chat to a powerhouse circle didn’t happen overnight. These seven brilliant women started by sharing knowledge and supporting each other in their careers, but over time, they realized they could do more. Their monthly Zoom calls quickly became a sacred space for not just professional growth but emotional support. It’s a blend of professional development, therapy, and friendship, where they openly discuss the highs and lows of their work while strategizing on how to change the landscape of sports psychology. This isn’t just networking; it’s a genuine bond of mutual respect and empowerment.
The dream team roster
Each member of the Magnificent Seven brings her unique expertise and perspective to the table, creating a dream team that’s changing the field. Let’s meet the squad:
- Wendy Borlabi, PsyD: A maverick in private practice, Wendy helps athletes push past mental barriers to achieve excellence.
- Angel Brutus, PsyD, LPCC, CMPC: Known as the Olympic dreams whisperer, Angel helps athletes prepare for the mental challenges of elite competition.
- Nicole Charles-Linen, PsyD: A revolutionary in private practice, Nicole specializes in helping athletes navigate mental health while excelling in their sport.
- Stephany Coakley, PhD, CMPC, LPC: A wellness warrior at Temple University, Stephany focuses on holistic approaches to mental and physical health in student-athletes.
- Kensa Gunter, PsyD, CMPC: With a specialty in NBA and WNBA athletes, Kensa masters the mental game for some of the world’s top basketball players.
- Lani Lawrence, PsyD: The mental game guru for the New York Giants, Lani blends sports psychology with real-world strategies for football athletes.
- LaKeitha Poole, PhD, LPC-S, CMPC: A psychology powerhouse at LSU, LaKeitha has worked with athletes at all levels, empowering them to achieve their best both on and off the field.
Each of these women brings a combination of expertise, insight, and lived experience that makes them not only leaders in their field but also role models for future generations of sports psychologists.
Pandemic plot twist
While most of the world was learning how to bake bread during the 2020 lockdown, the Magnificent Seven was busy building something far more impactful. Their collaboration flourished during a time of global crisis, and the connections forged in the most difficult of times have only strengthened their collective mission. Their work during the pandemic highlighted how important it is for athletes to have the mental support they need, especially when the world seems uncertain. Through their virtual sessions and ongoing work, they became a lifeline for many athletes struggling with isolation, anxiety, and performance-related stress. This bond, formed in the midst of hardship, proved that sometimes the greatest strength arises from the toughest times.
Beyond the clipboard
The Magnificent Seven is not just changing the way we think about sports psychology—they’re reshaping the entire conversation around mental health in athletics. Their work emphasizes that mental health is not a secondary concern to physical health but an integral part of an athlete’s overall well-being. They challenge the idea that strength and toughness are only defined by physical endurance, instead advocating for the importance of emotional and psychological resilience. These women are pushing the boundaries of how mental health is viewed in sports and ensuring that athletes have access to the support they need, no matter their background or the level at which they compete.
The legacy play
As these seven professionals continue to dominate their field, they’re also laying the groundwork for a legacy that will influence future generations of sports psychologists. The Magnificent Seven understands that true change isn’t just about making an impact in the moment but about leaving a lasting imprint on the industry. They are already working to mentor the next generation of sports psychologists, ensuring that the doors they’ve opened continue to expand for future professionals. They’re not just making waves—they’re creating a movement, and they’re bringing others along for the ride. They’ve proven that with the right support, athletes can thrive, and with the right mindset, so can mental health professionals.
The Magnificent Seven has taken the world of sports psychology by storm, but their impact reaches far beyond the world of athletics. By breaking the stigma around mental health and making it a core part of athletic development, they are changing the way the world views both sports and psychology. Through their work, they’ve created a ripple effect that will continue to inspire and empower athletes and professionals alike for years to come.
