Though Leisha Strachan has never played soccer in her life, she is an important figure with the Bison women's soccer team. As a sport psychology consultant, it is her job to keep the players mentalities in check. Week by week, Strachan runs sport psychology sessions on a team and individual basis regarding their performance and challenges.
"I am simply there to remind them to enjoy the experience and process. The process is the most important," said Strachan.
"They are still growing and learning about themselves so it is important to be
patient and compassionate to the self."
At a young age, Strachan was introduced to sport psychology by a coach through imagery tapes. In her university years, she featured Terry Orlick's "Psyching for Sport" in a class book report, and credits those two experiences for inspiring her to enter the sports psychology field.
The former undergraduate of the University of Manitoba earned her Masters of Education in 2004 from the University of Windsor and then her Doctor of Philosophy at Queen's in 2008.
She also is currently inspired by the Bisons progression in the last few seasons. She credits head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas for her energy and bringing the Bisons to a modernized era.
"Away from the club Strachan is an active coach and judge in baton twirling, and has been involved withthe sport since she was five years old.
