University of Oklahoma Athletics

| PROS: Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes 

PROS is Oklahoma Athletics' student-athlete development and performance center, providing performance training, counseling, psychological assessment, team development, and professional training opportunities. Since 2004, PROS has partnered with student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, academic support staff, and athletics administrators to promote performance, well-being, and personal development. Success in competition, academics, and life requires more than physical talent alone. Confidence, focus, emotional regulation, preparation, and the ability to perform under pressure can all be intentionally developed. PROS helps student-athletes strengthen these skills so they can perform consistently while preparing for success beyond athletics. Learn more about the resources PROS provides below.

Doctoral Internship Program
In addition to providing psychological services and resources to OU Athletics, the University of Oklahoma Department of Athletics' Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (OU PROS) training program is dedicated to developing competent and ethical health service psychology professionals. The program emphasizes cultivating an awareness of intersectional multiculturalism, strengthening well-rounded clinical skills, and fostering personal and professional growth as emerging practitioners. To learn more about the Doctoral Internship Program, click here.

Mental Performance Services: Here are a few examples of skills that can be strengthened
Self-Regulation

Managing thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physiological responses to support effective performance.
Examples:

  • Maintaining composure under stress
  • Controlling emotional reactions
  • Responding intentionally rather than impulsively

Present Focus

Directing attention toward the task or performance demand that is immediately relevant.
Examples:

  • Refocusing after distractions
  • Staying engaged during competition
  • Letting go of previous mistakes

Directive Thinking

Using purposeful and constructive thinking that supports performance.
Examples:

  • Effective self-talk
  • Focusing on controllable factors
  • Directing attention toward solutions

Prepared Confidence

Trusting one's preparation, abilities, and readiness to perform.
Examples:

  • Competing assertively
  • Trusting training
  • Maintaining confidence despite setbacks

Pressure Stability

Maintaining composure, decision-making, and execution when pressure increases.
Examples:

  • Performing effectively in critical moments
  • Staying calm during high-pressure situations
  • Managing competitive stress
Adversity Recovery

Recovering quickly following mistakes, setbacks, losses, injuries, or other challenges.
Examples:

  • Resetting after errors
  • Bouncing back from poor performances
  • Maintaining confidence during adversity

Competitive Execution

Consistently translating preparation into performance when it matters most.
Examples:

  • Executing game plans
  • Making effective decisions under pressure
  • Performing consistently in competition

Counseling Services
Areas of Support
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Athletic Pressures
  • Relationships
  • Life Transitions
  • Academic Concerns
  • Identity Development
  • Personal Growth
  • Emotional Health and Well-Being
Assessment Services
  • ADHD Assessment
  • Learning Disability Assessment
Confidentiality: Information shared during counseling services is generally confidential and not routinely shared with coaches, teammates, or athletics staff without permission except when required by law or necessary to protect safety. Assessment services are conducted by licensed psychologists and supervised trainees operating under professional and ethical guidelines.

Signs an Assessment May Be Helpful
  • Difficulty Maintaining Attention
  • Frequent Procrastination
  • Organizational Challenges
  • Difficulty Completing Assignments
  • Inconsistent Academic Performance
  • Difficulty Following Through on Tasks
  • Difficulty Managing Competing Demands

Team Development

Areas of Focus

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Culture and Accountability

Common Workshop Topics

  • Establishing Team Standards
  • Building Accountability
  • Strengthening Communication
  • Developing Leadership
  • Responding to Adversity
  • Managing Competitive Pressure
  • Creating a High-Performance Culture
  • Sustaining Competitive Excellence

Effective teams build shared standards, trust, accountability, and performance habits that contribute to long-term success in competition, academics, and life.


Resources
Crisis Resources
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline
    Call 988
  • Mental Health Assistance Center
    (405) 943-3700
    info@mhaok.org
  • National Hopeline Network
    1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-442-HOPE (1-800-442-4673)
  • Crisis text line
    Text HOME to 741741
  • The University of Oklahoma Police Department
    (405) 325-1717 or (405) 325-2864
Campus Resources
Sport Psychology and Mental Health Organizations
The Clinical / Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA)
Division 47 Society for Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology (American Psychological Association)
The Association for Applied Sport Psychology

Meet the Staff

Dolores Christensen, PsyD, HSP, CMPC

Dolores Christensen, PsyD, HSP, CMPC
Director of PROS
Started at PROS: 2018

 Javan Jean-Noel, PsyD, HSP, CMPC

Javan Jean-Noel, PsyD, HSP, CMPC
Assistant Director of PROS
Started at PROS: 2023

 J.J. Swearingen, M.B.S., LPC-S

J.J. Swearingen, M.B.S., LPC-S
Assistant Director of PROS
Started at PROS: 2017

 Deyja Enriquez, M.A., CMPC

Deyja Enriquez, M.A., CMPC
Doctoral Intern - PROS
Started at PROS: 2026

 Nick Magera, M.S.

Nick Magera, M.S.
Doctoral Intern - PROS
Started at PROS: 2026

Contact Us

Phone: (405) 325-8535
Email: pros@ou.edu

Location: 3rd Floor, adjacent to the Compliance Offices
PROS: Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes
Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
180 W. Brooks Rd., Suite 3685
Norman, OK 73019

Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Referrals
Student-athletes may access services directly or be referred by coaches, athletic trainers, academic support staff, team physicians, parents, or other members of the athletics community.

Emergency Resources
PROS provides consultation, mental performance services, and counseling support but is not a crisis response service. If you are experiencing an emergency, have immediate safety concerns, or require urgent assistance, call 911 or follow University and Athletics emergency protocols.