Developmental Academy: Nurturing Young Athletes from Recruitment to Collegiate Sports

I’m excited to speak with Dr Duncan Simpson in this episode. Duncan is Head of Mental Skills at IMG Academy, the world’s most prestigious sports, performance and educational institution. Established in 1978 with a pioneering concept known as the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, IMG Academy has since grown to become a global phenomenon.

Prior to his role at IMG, Duncan was an Associate Professor in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology Programme at Barry University in Miami. Duncan received his PhD in Sport Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Duncan and I discuss the collaborative approach IMG Academy takes to developing its athletes, with mental conditioning being front and centre alongside the technical, tactical and physical areas. We discuss what that integration looks like by exploring the ways Duncan works alongside coaches and other staff at the Academy.