03/16/2025
The field of sport psychology lost an incredible man. Dr. Dave Yukelson "Yuke" introduced many of us to another side of sports. As athletes we're told to be tough. Yuke taught us that mental training is a skill, not a weakness. He would come talk at track practice and it changed my athletic career and me personally for the better. I took every class he taught, interned in the PSU sports psychology lab and wrote for his newsletter. Even though life took me in a different career path, I still earned my Mental Performance Consultant certification to work with athletes like he did. Even though we connected over the years and I told him what a positive impact he had on me, this was such a big reminder to connect with those who matter to you. Yuke, I will miss you and I thank you for everything you taught me. I hope to help athletes learn mental skills so they can perform at their best. I will always remember your "Yukelidian Nuggets" and to channel "stinkin thinkin". RIP Yuke ❤️.
Penn State Athletics mourns the loss of longtime sports psychologist Dave Yukelson.