Several faculty in the Kinesiology department had a busy December! The 16th World Congress for Sport Psychology took place in Hong Kong, China. The Congress celebrated the International Society of Sport Psychology’s 60th anniversary with the theme of Global Past, Present, and Future of Science and Practice in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology from December 8 –12, 2025. Fittingly, Dr. Diane Gill gave one of the keynote addresses focused on gender inclusion and was titled “Where are the women in SEP?” (pictured left). In her keynote address, she reflected on the progress of the place of women in Sport and Exercise Psychology. She hoped listeners from around the world would takeaway that while the field, organizations, and professions of SEP have come a long way with including women, more work on women-specific issues and on populations other than competitive athletes (e.g., musicians, actors, dancers, military) is needed.
Reflecting on his experience at the conference, Dr. Alan Chu echoed a similar feeling about the Conference. He felt the theme was visible through the sessions with an emphasis on expanding “mental health screening and prevention for elite athletes, especially in the Eastern world.” After attending Dr. Gill’s keynote, Dr. Chu felt the message was clear – progress has been made, but more changes are needed. Dr. Donna Duffy said she was impressed with the “breadth and global research of sport and exercise psychology.” Additionally, our faculty appreciated the cultural influence that the conference organizers blended through shared traditional meals and a visit to the highest point in Hong Kong known as “The Peak.” The far-reaching impact of UNCG was on full display as current UNCG Kinesiology faculty (Chu, Gill, Duffy, and Ang Chen) attended and presented, alongside one current ASP student. In typical UNCG fashion, our faculty, alumni, and students met up for dinner to catch up (pictured right).
UNCG’s Kinesiology adventures in Hong Kong continued with a study abroad experience that was led by Dr. Chu and Dr. Duffy. The Working with Diverse Populations in Sport and Performance Psychology course took place in Hong Kong from December 13 – 24, 2025. This was the first time the course was offered in this format, with 11 students attending from five institutions (Adams State University, University of Denver, UNCG, Springfield College, and West Virginia University). The purpose of the course was to learn about sport, performance, and culture in diverse settings in Hong Kong. The group visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute and Hong Kong China Paralympic and Olympic Committee, where they spoke with leading professionals in the field in Hong Kong. Dr. Chu hoped that students would show and build cultural humility, be open to global perspectives, and make connections with students, professionals, and the community. Dr. Duffy was excited for graduate students to have the same study abroad opportunities that are more common in undergraduate coursework. Graduate students benefited from broadening their professional networks and enhancing cultural competence by “reigniting motivation, deepening engagement with content, and creating space for reflection that’s hard to achieve in day-to-day routines. (group pictured above)”
Students had to adapt to the different time zone and the pace of the culture in Hong Kong. While doing so, they had the opportunity to engage in teaching and consulting opportunities with diverse populations, as well as for students at City University of Hong Kong. Students had many meaningful experiences, but what most students enjoyed were conversations outside the classroom about what was seen and heard in class, at locations, and in the environment around them. It was evident that the students were seeking to apply and implement newly gained knowledge to make an immediate impact on clients and their work.
December was fulfilling time for these faculty, students and demonstrated the hard work that extends beyond the classroom and into abroad networks.
Learn more about the EdD in KIN program and the Kinesiology department.