He is currently a tenured assistant professor in the Applied Exercise Science program at Gannon University in Erie, PA, a position he his held since completing his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Penn State University in 2002. Prior to Penn State, Dr. Willow earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Edinboro University in 1994, and a master’s of science in sport studies with a concentration in sports behavior and performance from Miami University in 1996. He has held professional memberships with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), the American Psychological Association (Division 47), the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA) and has been a member of American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR)
Dr. Willow’s research focus and professional interests lie in overall performance enhancement for both elite and recreational athletes, primarily from the perspective of sport and exercise psychology. He addresses these interests both as a faculty member, and also through private consulting with Competitive Edge Consulting, a company founded by him offering educational and performance enhancement services to both athletes and non-athletes. His consulting services have been utilized by non-athletes, recreational weekend warriors and highly skilled professional athletes alike.
Courses Taught
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SPRT120: Foundations of Exercise Science
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SPRT240: Applied Sport Psychology
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SPRT250: Psychosocial Aspects of Exercise and Physical Activity
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SPRT385: Psychology of Injury and Rehabilitation
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SPRT414: Motor Development Across the Lifespan
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SPRT415: Motor Learning and Performance
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SPRT416: Human Motor Control
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GSPRT570: Psychology of Performance
Educational History
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Pennsylvania State University, Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Psychology, Dissertation: Exercise Participation and Self Esteem: An Examination of a Multiple Mediating Model, 2002
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Miami University, Master of Science in Sports Studies with a concentration in Sport Behavior and Performance, 1996
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Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1994.
Scholarship-Research
Dr. Willow’s research focus and professional interests lie in overall performance enhancement for both elite and recreational athletes, primarily from the perspective of sport and exercise psychology. These research interests include, but are not limited to
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self talk
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mental imagery
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goal setting
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team building
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communication
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coaching effects on satisfaction and performance
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relaxation and arousal management techniques
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characteristics of the exercise environment and their effects on psychology responses to physical activity
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self-presentation of athletes and fans
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body image