Sport Psychology
Alumni Stories
Ikuko Sasaba, ‘11
I was a competitive gymnast for more than 20 years and gymnastics was everything. During my career transition out of
gymnastics, I lost my identity, and I was seeking the next target (something) to help me bring passion and energy into
my life once more. JFK University’s MA Sport Psychology program gave me it, and it became my vocation. I moved from
Japan to be in the MA Sport Psychology Program.
While I was finishing my MA thesis, I went back to Japan and from 2008-2012, I worked at the Japan Institute of Sports
Sciences (JISS) in Tokyo working with Olympians as a sport psychology consultant. Since finishing the work with JISS, I am
currently working as a private sport psychology consultant for the next generation of Rio 2016 Olympians, continuing my
studies at the Graduate School of Ritsumeikan University for a Doctoral Degree in Sport and Health Science, and working
at Ritsumeikan Primary School as a PE teacher.
Fernando Lopez, ‘12
I currently work for the Army as a Performance Expert in Hawaii and consult with athletes ranging from youth to Olympic
level. I worked with the US archery teams in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics after helping Dr. Rhodius in
coaching education workshops at the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, and this work continues into the
next Olympic quadrennium.
Without a doubt, the Sport Psychology Program at JFK University has been a major factor in getting me here. The
road certainly wasn’t easy, however, from the support of the faculty and practicing what I preach it has been worth it.
The program taught me many things, but what I take from it every day is the journey toward excellence is littered with
obstacles and it isn’t our job to avoid them but rather embrace them and welcome the challenge.
Daniery Rosario, ‘11
I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Florida as a young boy. During my college years in Florida, deciding to attend
JFKU was one of the best decisions I have made. During the MA program I was able to work with various teams and athletes, including an internship with Stanford University. JFKU gave me the support to pursue my passion while also providing me with avenues to grow both personally and professionally.
I currently serve as the Athletic Director at Leadership Public Schools-Richmond where I aim to transform the student-athlete experience by integrating everything I have learned through JFK University’s Sport Psychology Program. In addition
to my work at LPS, I work independently as a consultant for various athletes and performers. Even after my completion of
the program, JFKU continues to support me in more ways than I can account for.
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JOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY
TRANSFORMING LIVES, CHANGING THE WORLD
An Affiliate of the National University System