
Unique partnership between UTK Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior program and One Knox
One Knox youth coaches and UTK students are working together to integrate mental health coaching into weekly training sessions. UTK Sport Psychology students support young athletes as they navigate the ups and downs of competitive youth soccer.
Spring, 2026 marks the 6th season running the program – impacting more than 40 teams and 500 players.
“In our field of sport psychology and motor behavior, there aren’t many programs in the US that have a hands-on opportunity like this with a professional soccer organization. It’s unique for our students to work with One Knox as part of their training.”
– Scott Barnicle, Program Lead and Associate Professor of Practice in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
First Year Master’s Students

Autumn Houle
Autumn Houle is a first-year Master’s student at the University of Tennessee pursuing a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Psychology and Motor Behavior. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Athletic Training from University of Alabama.
She has been an equestrian since the age of five and competed in volleyball for three years. Originally from Connecticut, she has lived in Hawaii, Florida, Alabama, and now Tennessee. These experiences have shaped both her personal and professional development.
Autumn is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with One Knoxville SC as a Mental Performance Consultant and looks forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the organization.

Brooke Erickson
Brooke Erickson is originally from Hermosa Beach, California and attended Colorado Mesa University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in Exercise Science.
Brooke is a current first-year masters
student in the University of Tennessee Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior program aiming to pursue her PhD in Sport Psychology and her Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification.
She played collegiate
softball at Colorado Mesa University and has experience in basketball and soccer. She is looking forward to working
with One Knox as a Mental Performance Consultant and is excited to learn and grow in mental performance
alongside the One Knox athletes.

Brenna Kehoe
Brenna Kehoe is a first-year master’s student at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she is pursuing a degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. Originally from the Virginia Beach area, Brenna grew up immersed in athletics and developed a lifelong passion for sport through years of competitive participation.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Mary Baldwin University, where she was also a member of the women’s soccer team. Over the course of 18 years, Brenna competed in soccer, basketball, cross country, and track, experiences that continue to shape her understanding of athlete development and performance.

Brooke Hoekma
Brooke Hoekema is a first-year master’s student at the University of Tennessee, where she is pursuing a degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. Originally from Fort Wayne, Brooke earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trine University.
Brooke has a lifelong passion for sports, with a competitive background primarily in tennis. Her experiences as an athlete have shaped her dedication to supporting others in their athletic journeys. She is committed to helping athletes strengthen their mental skills, build resilient mindsets, and perform at their highest potential as a mental performance consultant.

Emma Garrison
Emma Garrison is a first-year master’s student at the University of Tennessee in Sport Psychology & Motor Behavior. She recently graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Throughout Emma’s life, she has been actively involved in sports. These experiences have given her valuable insight into both the challenges and rewards of athletic performance.
Emma is passionate about sport psychology because when she was an athlete she needed a professional to help guide her though her struggles. Emma hopes to help athletes build confidence, control their emotions, and optimize their performance.

Gabriella Smart
Gabriella Smart is originally from Oakland, Maine, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.
During her time at Wheaton, she was a member of the women’s lacrosse team and served as team captain during her senior year. Gabriella is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior at the University of Tennessee, where she is working toward becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
With a lifelong passion for sports, Gabriella is dedicated to helping athletes develop strong mental skills, reach their full potential, and achieve their performance goals.

Hayden Germain
Hayden Germain is from Pewamo, Michigan, and is a graduate of the University of Olivet, where he earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sport Psychology and Psychology. During his time at Olivet, he was a collegiate athlete competing in Cross Country, Track & Field, and Volleyball.
Hayden is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior at the University of Tennessee while working toward becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
He is passionate about helping athletes develop mental skills and practical techniques that enhance both performance and overall sporting experience. Hayden strives to support athletes in finding greater enjoyment in their sport while continuing to grow and reach their full potential.

Caroline Chambers
Caroline Chambers is from Lakeland, Florida, and is a first-year graduate student at the University of Tennessee pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. She attended Florida Southern College, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while competing as a member of the NCAA Division II volleyball program.
In addition to her academic work, Caroline coaches club volleyball in Knoxville and is passionate about working with young athletes in team sport environments. She is excited to work with OneKnox athletes this spring and is dedicated to helping athletes build confidence, develop mental skills, and enhance their overall performance and enjoyment of sport.

Noel Mann
Noel Mann is a first-year master’s student at the University of Tennessee pursuing a degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. Originally from Bellaire, Michigan, Noel was a multi-sport athlete in high school, competing in volleyball, basketball, and track. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan State University, where she also gained experience coaching youth basketball.
Noel is excited to work with One Knox athletes and is passionate about teaching mental performance skills that support athletes not only in soccer, but also in their overall development and everyday life. She is dedicated to helping athletes build confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset both on and off the field.

Mattie Crouse
Mattie Crouse grew up in a small town on the eastern plains of Colorado and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Western Colorado University, located in the mountain town of Gunnison.
Mattie has a strong passion for working with young athletes and has previously coached volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She is excited to work with youth athletes and is dedicated to helping them train their minds just as hard as they train their bodies, supporting their growth, confidence, and performance both on and off the field.

Jacalyn Burrows
Jacalyn Burrows is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sports Administration. She played club volleyball for eight years and has had the opportunity to coach at the high school level.
Jacalyn is passionate about helping young athletes understand and develop the mental side of performance. She is excited to work with young athletes and share mental performance strategies that can support their growth, confidence, and success both on and off the field.

Jack Nixon
Jack Nixon is a first-year master’s student at the University of Tennessee. He is originally from Mocksville, North Carolina, a small town located about 20 minutes from Winston-Salem. Jack attended North Carolina State University for his undergraduate studies, where he worked with the men’s basketball team.
Growing up, Jack played both tennis and baseball and developed a strong passion for sports. He is excited to work with athletes and help them strengthen the mental side of performance while continuing to grow both on and off the field.

Tyler Christensen
Tyler Christensen is a master’s student studying Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior at the University of Tennessee. Originally from American Fork, Utah, Tyler played competitive and club soccer for 21 years, developing a lifelong passion for the sport.
Tyler is passionate about helping athletes build confidence and develop mental skills that enhance performance on the field while also supporting success in everyday life. He is excited to work with athletes and help them grow both as competitors and individuals.

Brooke Pagel
Brooke Pagel is a graduate student at the University of Tennessee. She is originally from Birch Run, Michigan, and earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University. Growing up, Brooke competed in soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and continued her athletic career at the collegiate level in both soccer and volleyball.
With soccer being her favorite sport, Brooke is passionate about helping the next generation of athletes grow and reach their full potential. She is excited to work with One Knox athletes and support their development both on and off the field.

Bailey

Summer Miller
Summer Miller is a first-year graduate student at the University of Tennessee, pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior with the goal of becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) at the NCAA Division I level. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2024 with a focus on Health and Well-Being.
Originally from Middlebourne, West Virginia, Summer has a strong athletic background, including collegiate club softball and high school basketball, volleyball, and softball. She is passionate about helping athletes develop mental performance skills to enhance growth, confidence, and success both on and off the field.

Jalyn Kelsey
Jalyn Kelsey is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology, with a minor in Medical Humanities, from Earlham College. During her time at Earlham, she competed as a collegiate golfer and field hockey player.
Jalyn also brings extensive coaching experience, including over ten years of teaching and coaching swim lessons. She has a particular interest in sport injuries and rehabilitation, and she is passionate about helping athletes develop the mental skills needed to support recovery, performance, and long-term growth in sport.

Kallan Bustynowicz
Kallan Bustynowicz is a first-year master’s student at the University of Tennessee, studying Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology from West Virginia University, where she played on and served as president of the women’s club lacrosse team.
Kallan is passionate about all things movement, fitness, and sports, and enjoys running, lifting, and taking hot yoga classes. She is excited to help athletes develop mental and physical skills that enhance performance, growth, and overall enjoyment of their sport.



















































































































































































































































































