From July 1st to September 30th, 2024, I had the privilege of being a guest researcher at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, within the Sport and Performance Psychology Lab, at the University of Toronto (U of T), under the supervision of Professor Gretchen Kerr. This experience provided invaluable exposure to both academic and applied sport psychology.
During my time at U of T, I was able to learn from other researchers within the lab, who were incredibly open and inclusive, allowing me to gain deeper insights into their work. Early in my stay, we had a research retreat, which provided the perfect opportunity to collaborate on a small project with the team. Working with them was a lot of fun, thanks to their high level of expertise and strong team spirit, which fostered a productive and enjoyable atmosphere.
I also had the chance to visit and use the university’s sport facilities, which offered a wide variety of sports activities for both students and non-students. In addition to this, I attended several games from U of T’s university sports teams, which were free for me to attend. The North American collegiate sports system, with its frequent games once the semester began, made it easy to watch different sports and gain insight into the competitive athletic environment.
I actively participated in research meetings and contributed to several ongoing projects, some of which were closely tied to practical applications in the field. The primary focus was on the overarching theme of interpersonal violence in sports and the implementation of Safe Sport structures. I was fortunate to join an educational program for elite youth coaches called "Living Integrity," which allowed me to witness the direct application of scientific knowledge in the field. It was particularly fascinating to see how the lab effectively translated research into practice.
Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of how graduate programs and university systems in North America are structured, especially in comparison to those in Europe. The academic environment at U of T is incredibly supportive, inclusive, and innovative, making it an ideal setting for fostering and implementing new ideas.
Throughout my stay, I had the opportunity to connect with many researchers and professionals, and I hope these connections will lead to future collaborations within our shared research area.
Toronto itself is an incredibly multicultural city, where people from all walks of life come together. This diversity is reflected in the city's rich variety of food, music, art, and sports. At U of T, sports played a significant role alongside academic achievement, blending different aspects of campus life and reflecting once again the variety of Toronto. Experiencing the role of university sports in North American culture was particularly notable. The campus atmosphere was vibrant and enthusiastic, with sports and physical activity being an important part of student life. This integration of academics and athletics at U of T left a lasting impression, emphasizing the holistic development of students.
Overall, my time at U of T was both enriching and productive. The experience broadened my perspective on sport psychology especially within practical implementation of research, and I believe it will greatly benefit my future work.
Julia Schwender