Katie Harker, MS

Katie graduated with her MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Utah in 2018. She also has a BS in Sport and Exercise Science from Utah State University. Katie played 1 year of NJCAA basketball at Western Wyoming Community College until too many concussions cut her playing career short. She then transferred to USU and started her foray into sport psychology while studying with Dr. Richard Gordin. Her Masters project at University of Utah was focused on the effects of purposeful gratitude exercises within a high school sports team. She found that the athletes who went through intentional displays of gratitude experienced higher levels of team cohesion. These results inform Katie’s consulting style, with a heavy emphasis on developing the athlete’s skills beyond sport as well as focusing on improving their performance. 

Katie has coached youth girls basketball for the past five years. As the assistant varsity and head JV high school coach, she finds the convergence of physical and mental skills fascinating. She also runs a competitive AAU girls program (class of 2026). As a former high level athlete, she strives to provide the athletes she coaches and consults with an unique advantage by providing insights and exercises to build their mental strength. She firmly believes that sport psychology techniques can be instrumental in success during competition, as well as in the athlete’s daily life. 

Katie is looking forward to working with new individuals and teams, as well as the USA Nordic Junior National team. Her inquisitive nature and passion for growth contribute to a session driven by what the athlete needs that day. Just like physical skills training, there are several recipes to strengthen our mental performance.