Marist University Athletics is taking a big step forward in prioritizing student-athlete well-being with the addition of its first-ever sports psychologist, Anthony Carnevale.
Carnevale is no stranger to Marist—having graduated from the University in 2016. After taking a year off post-graduation, he pursued a master’s degree in Athletic Counseling at Springfield College, where he studied sports psychology.
“I was lucky to figure out pretty early that this is what I wanted to do,” said Carnevale. “The field of sports psychology has really taken off in recent years, but when I first got into it, it wasn’t as widely recognized as it is now.”
His interest in psychology began at a young age, inspired by his younger brother, who is on the autism spectrum. This sparked his curiosity about the brain.
“I became interested in how people process information differently,” said Carnevale.
As a former athlete himself, he also experienced moments of self-doubt and performance struggles, making the decision to pursue sports psychology clear.
Carnevale grew up playing sports, primarily focusing on basketball. As he got older, he transitioned to golf—a sport he still enjoys today. His hands-on experience in competition and athletics helps him connect with student-athletes on a deeper level.
Before coming to Marist, he completed his doctoral internship at Eastern Connecticut State University, working closely with student-athletes and coaches which shaped his understanding of working alongside them.
Fresh out of his residency and finishing his dissertation, he was searching for the right job. After a long interview process, everything aligned, and he was able to step into this new role.
Carnevale saw a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up at Marist, the deciding factor in returning to his alma mater.
“I loved my time here as a student, and coming back felt like the right move,” said Carnevale. “Being the first sports psychologist at Marist means I get to shape the program and create something that truly fits the needs of the athletes.”
In an athletic department filled with coaches, trainers, nutritionists, and strength staff, Carnevale sees himself as the missing piece in a comprehensive approach to athlete care.
“When you look at elite performance, the best approach is a holistic one,” said Carnevale. “Trainers and strength coaches focus on the physical side, but my role is to bring in the mental performance aspect. That means not just helping with anxiety and stress but also educating staff and athletes about recognizing mental health concerns and knowing when to seek help.”
His goal is to integrate mental performance into the existing framework, making it a normalized and accessible resource for athletes.
“[Student athletes] are here because you love competing, you love winning. But that also means there’s pressure—whether it’s from yourself, coaches, or even scholarships,” said Carnevale. “Then add in travel schedules, missed classes, and external expectations. It’s a lot to manage.”
Recognizing that student-athletes face unique mental health and stress challenges, Carnevale hopes to help develop coping strategies to handle the pressure while maintaining their love for the sport.
If he could give one piece of advice to every athlete, it would be simple: prioritize sleep.
“It’s not the most exciting answer, but it’s the foundation of everything,” said Carnevale. “If you want to perform better—whether in your sport, academics, or just in life—you need quality sleep. Research has proven time and time again that sleep impacts reaction time, memory, mood, and overall well-being.”
He also encourages athletes to seek sunlight, socialize, and take small steps to manage stress. And, of course, his door is always open for those who want to talk.
Carnevale is excited to continue shaping this new role and expanding the mental health resources available to Marist athletes. In addition to one-on-one sessions, he hopes to introduce feedback and stress management programs, offering alternative ways for athletes to improve their mental resilience.
His message to student-athletes: “If anything we talked about in this interview resonates with you, now is a great time to reach out,” he said. “You don’t have to navigate this alone—there are resources here to help.”
With Marist stepping up its game in athlete wellness, the addition of a full-time sports psychologist is a major win for the college’s athletic community. As student-athletes continue pushing their limits, they can now do so with stronger mental support than ever before.
Edited by: Aidan Lavin
Graphic: Gavin Hard; Photo: Marist Athletic
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