Cue Words Helping Bulldogs Stay Focused On The Pitch

STARKVILLE – When the pressure is on and the lights are shining bright, it can become difficult to shake the stress of competing at the highest level.

Sometimes it can be hard to see as the Bulldogs fly across the pitch in pursuit of victory, but if you look closely next time you go out to the MSU Soccer Field, you will see words drawn on the arms and legs of some of the athletes on the roster.

"Some use them on water bottles, some use markers and some have even gotten tattoos, but the words serve as visual reminders to give athletes a focal point to regain their focus and concentration in a match," Dr. Joey Case, who leads MSU's Counseling and Sport Psychology department, said.

Words like 'battle', 'determined', 'fight' and many more motivational phrases can be found written on the bodies of the Bulldogs with a marker – signifying the mentality of the group and highlighting the importance of mental health every night on the pitch.

"Everyone does it and it is more individualized depending on what you need during that moment during a game," midfielder Macey Hodge said. "It's really cool to see what all the girls need during that moment and it's a big deal for our team. It gives us a general reminder that everything is good, and we can do this."

It's just one suggestion that members of Mississippi State's soccer program have taken away from State's Counseling and Sport Psychology department, attending sessions hosted by Case, Dr. Allison Rogers, Dr. Quincy Davis and Brett Weaver.

The Bulldogs' focus recently has been the importance of staying in the moment. Finding ways to use words as a visual reminder during matches is something that has motivated and alleviated stress from the shoulders of the athletes on the field.

"On a mental performance level it serves as a tool to stay focused in a match," Case said. "In all the pressure of a match, from performing in front of record crowds to playing the best teams in the nation, it can be easy to lose present-moment focus. Two years ago we started using 'cue words' as a way to stay focused."

Experienced and talented athletes like goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, know the immense pressure that can be placed upon athletes as they venture throughout their collegiate careers. The fear of performing at your best in front of massive crowds can bring about a plethora of stressors, but using methods provided by State's counseling staff has given the veterans and newcomers alike ways to help ease their minds.

"It is really massive – not a lot of schools are as fortunate to have this many counselors available to them," Anderson said. "I mean we have four who are all very loving and caring and want to help us. It is really cool that Mississippi State has so many resources for us and makes mental health a priority."

With the help of MSU's counseling and sport psychology department and their teammates, special bonds and moments are possible. It's a big reason why the Bulldogs are in the midst of a special season, which includes their highest ranking in program history at No. 4 in the nation.

"This is one of the closest teams I have been a part of," Anderson said. "Everybody loves each other, and everybody cheers for each other. Having that closeness helps each other and we genuinely care about each other. It's just awesome to see."

The Bulldogs return home to face Missouri at 6:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, after securing an impressive 2-1 road victory over Georgia on Thursday night. During Sunday's match MSU will celebrate Mental Health Week and the staff that is on hand to help athletes be their best selves on and off the field.

"Mental health means everything to me and my teammates especially," Hodge said. "Over the past few years, throughout college athletics, there has been a huge push to address it. First and foremost, if you want to perform well in your sport, you need to be good mentally, but also, being the best version of yourself outside of your sport is equally as important."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Cue Words Helping Bulldogs Stay Focused On The Pitch

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