Completed Event: Softball versus (1) #1 Nebraska on May 16, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 2
Softball
vs (1) #1 Nebraska
L 0-2
Grand Canyon University Athletics
Mental Performance
Department Director
Dr. Dan Gerdes
Director, Mental Performance
- Ph.D. – University of Kansas, Applied Sport Psychology
- M.A. – University of Northern Iowa, Physical Education
- B.A. – Wartburg College (IA), Biology / Secondary Education
Mission
The Mental Performance Program is committed to athletic performance excellence, providing athletic performance enhancement services, developmental programs and mental skills coaching. We empower student-athletes and coaches to develop a potential-releasing mindset through mental excellence skills, positioning them with tools, techniques and strategies that promote lives of success and significance.
Our Commitment
Mental excellence and performance enhancement services recognize that student-athletes don't need to be "sick" to benefit from mental skills tools and strategies. The type and level of support provided to each student-athlete, coaching staff, or team is tailored to the needs of each performance scenario. Programs offer application-based tools and techniques involving applied mental skills that facilitate consistent high-level athletic performance.
Note: For mental performance issues that exceed the athletic competition context, GCU mental health resources are fully integrated within the university. GCU encourages student-athletes to access existing university mental health resources and counseling programs — including support for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and other clinical mental health concerns.
What We Offer
- Individual meetings with athletes
- Meetings with teams
- Consulting with coaches and coaching staffs
- Occasional travel with teams
Meetings are typically by appointment, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Team programs usually involve tools and strategies around confidence, concentration, mental toughness, goal setting, emotion management, team culture, and leadership. With the guidance of the head coach, team meetings are developed with specific materials and targeted mental excellence objectives.
Schedule an appointment or inquire about services
Reach out directly to Dr. Dan Gerdes
Email Dr. Gerdes Reach out directly to Dr. Dan Gerdes