Duncan Simpson, Ph.D, CMPC is a sports psychologist and director of personal development at IMG Academy — a boarding school and athletic training institute located in Bradenton, Florida. The school was founded in 1978 and has become one of the world’s leading institutions for athlete development.
Listen to Dr Simpson’s interview:
Want more proof? Here are some IMG stats:
- Over 1,400 DI placements since 2011
- 153 DI internships for graduates and post-graduates 2021
- National ranking of the top 25 for lacrosse every year since 2015
- 17 students and graduates selected in the MLB Draft since 2019
- 12 alumni on NFL rosters to start 2021 season
- 11 alumni at the 2020 Summer Olympics
WHAT DOES A SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST DO?
In short, he is a sports physician and mental health professional who works with athletes to help them build mental toughness and stability to reach their full potential in their respective sport. Whether it’s mental training and visualization techniques, strategies to improve focus and concentration, stress management techniques, or addressing personal and interpersonal issues that can impact performance , the idea is to work with the athlete to build confidence and a positive mindset.
Dr. Simpson, at IMG Academy, supervises two ddepartments and works with student life, school sports and APD staff to ensure the best experience for 1,400 student-athletes. Using qualitative and quantitative assessments to create a profile for each individual, Dr. Simpson and his team aim to help each athlete develop confidence, resilience, motivation, focus, and other attributes that will benefit their performance.
