Inclusive Excellence Awards

This award reflects the division’s belief that excellence in sport, exercise, and performance psychology is strengthened by inclusiveness. Our field is stronger when diverse identities and lived experiences are not only present but supported and valued. By investing in emerging professionals, we affirm that meaningful participation is essential to the continued growth and vitality of the field. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged.

The IEA is not based on traditional measures of “exceptional” achievement, but on alignment with the division’s commitment to inclusive excellence and the applicant’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the field.

All graduate students currently enrolled in a sport, exercise, and performance psychology graduate program, and ECPs (i.e., degree received no more than ten years before the award decision) currently working, researching, or practicing in sport, exercise, and performance psychology are eligible to apply for this award.

Applicants should identify as members of communities historically underrepresented in sport, exercise, and performance psychology. These communities may include, but are not limited to, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, underrepresented religious groups, first-generation college students, and other identities historically marginalized within the field. Self-identification is sufficient; no additional documentation is required.

Applications should include the following: 

• A letter of nomination, no more than two pages, single-spaced, outlining:

a. the applicant’s current training and/or professional role (e.g., first-year master’s student in SEPP, a clinical psychology student/graduate student, assistant professor);

b. a reflection on why inclusion and representation matter in SEPP; and

c. how attending the convention will help enhance the professional development towards the research and practice of sport, exercise, and performance psychology.

• A current curriculum vitae of no more than 10 pages.