Page 8 - AASP Spring Newsletter 2015

A “Good-to-Great” Quest: International

Practice of Applied Sport Psychology

Sebastian Brueckner, PhD, Olympic Training Center, Saarbruecken, Germany

international relations, I feel that the where I studied under the supervision

“Good to Great” paradigm holds unique of Dr. Craig Wrisberg, a former AASP

opportunities for the organization and President. This training assumes its fullest

individuals. From my perspective, as an meaning when put into the context of

international member of AASP who was personal relationships, mutual exchanges,

born in Germany, studied in both Germany stimulating discussions, intellectual

Sebastian
and the U.S., and now holds a consulting challenges, and continuous education

position in Germany, this quest can best experienced with the help of AASP and
BRUECKNER
be accomplished by conceptualizing its members. The organization has truly

this “Good-to-Great” mission as an become my “go-to” resource, and I value

international endeavor. To make that case, the inspiration, motivation and networking

I want to relate some personal relections.
opportunities that the annual conference Jim Collins’ (2001) bestseller Good to Great

provides.
is a must read for every sport psychology

consultant. What makes Collins’ concept

Since beginning my journey with a career so appealing? For one, his work gives

in elite sports and competition at Olympic For me, it has been a long and exciting a clear example of AASP’s scientist-

swimming trials in Germany, my scientist- journey, beginning with my irst practitioner approach to guide the applied

practitioner narrative is grounded in an professional conference in the U.S. in work of sport psychology professionals

experiential Gestalt context (Köhler, 1992). 1999. I attended the NASPSPA conference
toward continuous improvement.

These experiences of competing on an in Clearwater Beach, FL with my German Collins’ research is also relevant to

elite level still inluence my professional universitymentors.Now15yearslater,Ilook help individual sport psychologists

practice today. They help me build trust back on 9 AASP conferences, beginning in relect on personal experiences in their

and rapport because they enable me to 2003 when I entered the Ph.D. program at professional development. John Silva,

empathize and understand athletes and UT. I have been fortunate to experience AASP’s founding president, advocated

coaches. I use my experiences of training many beneicial encounters and cross-
the scientist-practitioner concept in

and competing to tailor interventions for cultural exchanges. I treasure friendships 1985 when the organization began (Silva,

athletes and coaches as well as their that have developed. I have learned many 2005). This overarching concept still

individual needs. An important part of the important lessons as international borders unites association members and drives

foundation of my professional practice have been transcended and language its continued growth and outreach in the

includes the sound academic training I barriers and cultural differences have
ield. Now as AASP commits to strategic
received at The University of Tennessee,
been overcome.
goals for 2016-2020 relating to advancing

AASP Newsletter // Spring 2015 // A “Good-to-Great” Quest: International Practice of Applied Sport Psychology

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