Student Athlete Mental Health

Mission/Purpose

Our mission is to empower BYU student athletes to achieve peak performance and holistic well-being by providing comprehensive sport psychology services that build mental strength, enhance performance, and support mental health. Through evidence-based mental skills training and compassionate mental health care, we are enabling student athletes to excel both on the field and in life.

Our Team

 

Dr. Craig Manning

Associate Athletic Director Sport Psychology Services, Mental Performance

Dr. Craig Manning is the Associate Athletic Director overseeing all BYU Sport Psychology Services and a distinguished performance enhancement specialist with a unique blend of experiences as a player, coach, and scholar. He earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology from BYU and his Doctorate in Sports Psychology from the University of Utah. A former professional tennis player and BYU men's tennis standout, Dr. Manning went on to coach BYU’s women’s tennis team, leading them to four Mountain West Conference titles and earning multiple Coach of the Year honors. With expertise as a player, coach and an expert is human performance psychology, Dr. Manning now focuses on helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential.

 

Dr. Bobby Low

Assistant Athletic Director, Mental Performance

Dr. Low is an expert in the field of Human Sport and Performance Psychology with a diverse background in coaching athletes and teams to enhance their mental performance. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from BYU, followed by advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Missouri, where his research on Olympic athletes' mental resilience was presented to the Rio 2016 coaching staff. His experience spans collegiate athletics, professional athletes, and Fortune 500 executive coaching. A former All-American and two-time Mountain West Conference champion in pole vault at BYU, Dr. Low’s athletic career shifted to sport psychology after an injury ended his pursuit of the 2012 Olympics.

 

Holly Binks

Assistant Athletic Director, Clinical Mental Health

Holly Binks is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) dedicated to supporting the mental health of BYU student-athletes. With a Bachelor's degree from BYU and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Holly brings her passion for counseling to create a positive mental health environment within the athletic department. Hailing from Payson, Utah, she is deeply committed to providing a safe and compassionate space for athletes to navigate life's challenges. Holly has been married for 21 years and is a proud mother of six children.

 

Dr. Braden Brown

Mental Health and Mental Performance Counselor

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Dr. Brown supports BYU student-athletes in managing mental health concerns, relationship challenges, and enhancing mental performance. With a B.S. in Exercise & Wellness from BYU, an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Utah State, and a Ph.D. in Medical Family Therapy from East Carolina University, Dr. Brown brings over 8 years of experience working with athletes from diverse backgrounds. A former BYU football player and NFL athlete, he now dedicates my career to helping athletes navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential.  Married with three kids and he enjoys weightlifting, golf, and spending time with family.

 

Dr. Tasha Bell

Mental Health Counselor

Tasha brings a wealth of experience in both sport and family dynamics to her role, with a Ph.D. in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, where she also worked as an assistant coach and goalkeeper trainer for the women's soccer program. A former UVU soccer standout and all-conference goalkeeper, Tasha has also held coaching and operational roles in women's soccer at both UVU and various clubs. Tasha is also an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team but shares her expertise within the Sport Psychology Services department. Fluent in Spanish and passionate about soccer, running, and camping, Tasha has a deep love for family and enjoys being an aunt to nine nieces and nephews. She is originally from Farmington, Utah.

 

Haley Seamons

Mental Performance

Haley, a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Psychology and a Valedictorian Candidate, has extensive training under Dr. Craig Manning. She currently works here at BYU and as a Mental Performance Coach at The Fearless Mind Company, specializing in the science of human performance. With five years of coaching experience, Haley has worked with athletes from middle school to professional levels and also provides executive coaching. A former varsity golfer and competitive volleyball player, she later transitioned to competing in CrossFit from 2015-2018. Haley, originally from Aberdeen, WA, is married to a competitive CrossFit athlete Brandon Seamons, and they enjoy hiking, strength training, and exploring brain science together.