Mental Performance Coach - Southwest Minnesota State
TO APPLY:
In order to be considered for this position, applicants should submit the following materials to Travis Whipple, Athletic Director, Southwest Minnesota State University, travis.whipple@smsu.edu.
1. Resume
2. Cover letter explaining interest and qualifications for the position, graduate academic program, start date of graduate academic program, and anticipated graduation date
3. Unofficial transcripts
4. Contact information for three professional references
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, cindra.kamphoff@mnsu.edu
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 2/28/2026
POSITION START DATE: 8/16/2026
RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION:
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU)
In partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Master’s Program in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology
The Mental Performance Graduate Assistant will work with Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics to support the holistic development and performance of student-athletes through individual and team-based mental performance training. This position provides applied experience delivering evidence-based mental skills interventions in a collegiate athletic environment.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Deliver individual and team mental performance sessions to SMSU student-athletes
- Assist in the design and implementation of mental performance programming aligned with team needs
- Support athletes in developing skills such as confidence, focus, emotional regulation, goal setting, resilience, and leadership
- Collaborate with coaches and athletic department staff to integrate mental performance strategies into training and competition
- Maintain appropriate documentation and adhere to ethical guidelines related to mental performance practice
- Participate in supervision, professional development, and training as assigned
- Perform other duties related to mental performance services within the athletic department as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a second-year graduate assistant currently enrolled in Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (SEPP) master’s Program, OR
- Have completed the SEPP Master’s Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato and be currently enrolled as a second-year graduate student in the Counseling and Student Personnel Program
Additional required qualifications:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Professionalism, dependability, attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based athletic environment
- Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date
- Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship and in good academic standing
- Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous applied experience working with athletes or teams
- Knowledge of mental performance and sport psychology principles
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
SALARY/STIPEND: DATES of EMPLOYMENT August 17, 2026 – May 10, 2027; Compensation: This is a 20-hour per week graduate assistantship that includes a stipend of $5,000 per semester and a tuition waiver for up to nine (9) graduate credits per semester, subject to Minnesota State policies.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment.
Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu.
CONTACT
Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, Professor
Human Performance
Minnesota State University, Mankato
171 Highland North
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-6112
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: cindra.kamphoff@mnsu.edu
NOTICE:
In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.
Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.