Dr. Stefanek has had a variety of experiences in his life: elite athlete, sales executive, martial arts instructor, sport psychology consultant, college professor, counselor, and now coach. After playing an assortment of youth sports, he focused on competitive taekwondo in college at the University of California at Berkeley and reached an elite level (e.g., California State Champion, 2-time top 3 finisher in National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships, 2-time quarter finalist at the U.S. National Championships and U.S.A. Taekwondo B team member who trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs). After receiving his undergraduate degree in an individualized course of study that included courses focused on marketing and computer science (i.e., technical marketing), he worked as a corporate accounts sales representative for a software company in the East San Francisco Bay Area that was purchased by Adobe.

Dr. Stefanek realized his passion for education when he was teaching taekwondo during and after he received his degree from Cal and he decided to shift his life course and he prepared for a different direction. He earned master’s degrees in exercise and sport studies and counseling, and a doctorate degree in sport psychology. His desire to work with athletes led him to work on sport psychology skills with athletes from numerous colleges and universities, starting almost 30 years ago. He has been invited to give presentations and educational workshops around the country and internationally. He has also published works on motivation, youth sports, fear of failure and culture, and a variety of psychological aspects of martial arts training.

Dr. Stefanek has taught a variety of courses at several different universities in three academic areas (kinesiology/sport studies, psychology, and management), including: Sport Psychology, Helping Relationships (a beginning counseling course), Mental Skills and Martial Arts (combining sport psychology skills with martial arts techniques), Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Motivation, Psychology of Excellence, and Leadership, among others. Continuing with his focus on education, Dr. Stefanek has taken a psychoeducational approach to being a mental health counselor/therapist, which he has done at an employee assistance program, college counseling centers, an Assertive Community Treatment team, and a sport psychology consultant to college teams and individuals, as well as athletes from youth to older adults. Dr. Stefanek’s educational and professional paths have led him to pursue coaching and this current endeavor with the same educational focus. That education for clients tends to take place in the realms of learning about oneself and learning skills that will either help cope with unwanted emotions or help with personal productivity.

ABOUT KEVIN

EXPERIENCED | PROFESSIONAL | SUPPORTIVE

Education

Ph.D., Kinesiology (Sport Psychology), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

M.A., Counseling, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

M.S., Exercise and Sport Studies (Sport Psychology), Boise State University, Boise, ID

B.A., Social Science Field Major (Technical Marketing), University of California, Berkeley, CA

Professional and Volunteer Positions

Therapist, Assertive Community Treatment team, Region 4 South Adult Mental Health

Counselor, Student Counseling, University of Minnesota Morris

Assistant Professor, Divisions of Education and Social Science, University of Minnesota Morris

Lecturer, Continuing Education and Social Science Division, University of Minnesota Morris

Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University

Counselor, HelpNet Concern Employee Assistance Program, Lansing, MI
Teaching and Research Assistant, Department of Kinesiology and the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, Michigan State University

Lecturer in Summer Session, Department of Human Biodynamics, University of California, Berkeley

Academic Advisor, Foothill College, CA

Graduate Assistant, Department of Kinesiology, Boise State University

Technical Editor for Newsletter, Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology

Related Teaching Experience

Head Instructor and Coach, University of Minnesota Morris Taekwondo Club

Head Instructor and Coach, Mississippi State University Taekwondo Club

Visiting Instructor and Coach, Michigan State University Taekwondo Club

Head Instructor and Coach, Boise State University Taekwondo Club

Head Instructor, Coach, and founder, Gem State Gymnastics Academy youth Taekwondo program, Boise, ID

Coordinating Instructor and Coach, University of California, Berkeley Taekwondo Program.

Invited Presentations

Stefanek, K. A. (June, 2015). Value and Participation Motives among U.S. Collegiate Taekwondo Participants. Invited presentation made to the Korean National Sport University, Seoul, Korea.

Stefanek, K. A. (September, 2010). The educational value of Taekwondo. 4th International Taekwondo Symposium: Educational Value of Taekwondo & University Taekwondo’s Future Direction, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (September, 2010). Keynote discussion panel member at the 4th International Taekwondo Symposium on the Educational Value of Taekwondo & University Taekwondo’s Future Direction, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (August, 2009). Keynote discussion panel member at the 3rd International Taekwondo Symposium on Curriculum Development for the World Taekwondo Academy, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (May, 2009). Psychological Benefits, Educational Value, and Pedagogical Strategies in Taekwondo. Invited presentation made to the Pan Am Taekwondo Academic Symposium, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2007). The five S’s: a developmental path in Taekwondo. Invited presentation made to the 1stInternational Taekwondo Symposium, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2007). Keynote discussion panel member at the 1st International Taekwondo Symposium, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (April, 2005). Participation motives and value in collegiate Taekwondo: Support for the globalization of traditional martial arts themes. Invited presentation made to the International Martial Arts Research Institute, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (June, 2002). The relationship between traditional and sports martial arts: A perspective from psychology. Invited presentation made to the International Martial Arts Research Institute in conjunction with the 7th World University Taekwondo Championships, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 1999). Motives for participation in and withdrawal from Taekwondo. Invited presentation made to the International Martial Arts Research Institute, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 1998). The psychological and sociological aspects of martial arts training. Invited presentation made to the International Martial Arts Research Institute, Berkeley, CA.

Research Presentations

Stefanek, K. A. (September, 2009). Value: The missing link in participation motivation? Presentation made to the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, Salt Lake City, UT.

Hedstrom, R. A., Gano-Overway, L. A., Peters, H. J., & Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2008). Walking the tightrope: Balancing effective sport psychology consultation and multiple roles in a small college setting. Presentation made to the Association for Applied Psychology, St. Louis, MO.

Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (October, 2005). Participation motives and subjective task value among collegiate Taekwondo participants. Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Vancouver, Canada.

Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (October, 2003). Coaches’ views on sportspersonship. Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Philadelphia, PA.

Magyar, T. M., Feltz, D. L., Stefanek, K. A., & Livanos, V. (August, 2002). Self-perceptions and aggressive tendencies in young karate students. Presentation made to the American Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

Stefanek, K. A., Gano-Overway, L. A., Cumming, S. P., & Ewing, M. E. (October, 2001). The Multiple Goal Orientation in Sport questionnaire: construction and validation. Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Orlando, FL.

Stefanek, K. A., Min, K. K. H., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (July, 2001). Male Taekwondo participants' self-perceptions, goal orientations, and training time: a cluster analysis. Presentation made to the Asia-Pacific Rim Conference on Exercise and Sports Science, Seoul, Korea.

Cumming, S. P., Gano-Overway, L. A., Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (October, 2000). Expanding upon goal perspectives: Constructing a measure of multiple goal orientations in sport. Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Nashville, TN.

Olrich, T., & Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2000). Redefining sportspersonship: Athletes share their perceptions. Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Nashville, TN.

Olrich, T., & Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2000). Ergogenic aid use by female athletes: An issue of moral or gender consequence? Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Nashville, TN.

Stefanek, K. A., Gano-Overway, L. A., & Lee, K. S. (September, 1999). Collaborative research: Importance, effectiveness, and benefits. Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Banff, Canada.

Olrich, T., & Stefanek, K. A. (September, 1999). Using ergogenic aids in sport: An ethical dilemma for athletes? Presentation made to the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, Banff, Canada.

Stefanek, K. A., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (June, 1997). The relationship of belt rank to self-esteem and ego in Taekwondo. Presentation made to the Pacific Rim Conference on Exercise and Sports Medicine, Corvallis, OR.

Stefanek, K. A., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (May, 1996). The relationship of belt rank to self-esteem and ego in Taekwondo. Paper presented as proposed research at the Northwest Student Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology Symposium, Eugene, OR.

Publications

Articles:

Stefanek, K. A., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (1999). The relationship of belt rank to self-esteem and ego in Taekwondo. In K. K. H. Min (Ed.), Journal of Martial Arts Studies Volume 4 (pp. 201-225). Berkeley, CA: University of California, Berkeley Martial Arts Program.

Stefanek, K. A. (1997). Teaching methodology and implications for Taekwondo instruction. In
K. K. H. Min (Ed.), University of California Martial Arts Program Monograph Volume 3 (pp. 151-160). Berkeley, CA: University of California, Berkeley Martial Arts Program.

Chapters:

Peters, H. J., & Stefanek, K. A. (2012). Fear of failure: What’s culture got to do with it? In R. Schinke (Ed.), Athletic Insight’s Writings in Sport Psychology. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers.

Stefanek, K. A., & Peters, H. J. (2011). Motivation in sport: Theory and application. In M. Cox & E. Klinger (Eds.), Handbook of Motivational Counseling: Goal-Based Approaches to Assessment and Intervention with Addiction and Other Problems (2nd ed.). Oxford, England: Wiley-Blackwell.

Online Publications:

Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (2002). Fun-The essential ingredient in youth football. Paper written for the National Football League Youth Football Foundation’s Coach Education Program. New York: NFL Youth Football Foundation.

Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (2002). Building team unity, harmony, and cohesiveness. Paper written for the National Football League Youth Football Foundation’s Coach Education Program. New York: NFL Youth Football Foundation.

Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (2002). Conflict resolution. Paper written for the National Football League Youth Football Foundation’s Coach Education Program. New York: NFL Youth Football Foundation.

Stefanek, K. A., & Ewing, M. E. (2002). Dealing with the chemically-dependent athlete. Paper written for the National Football League Youth Football Foundation’s Coach Education Program. New York: NFL Youth Football Foundation.

Refereed Conference Proceedings:

Stefanek, K. A. (2010). The educational value of Taekwondo. 4th International Taekwondo Symposium: Educational Value of Taekwondo & University Taekwondo’s Future Direction, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (2009). College Taekwondo major curriculum model. 3rd International Taekwondo Symposium: Curriculum Development for the World Taekwondo Academy, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (2007). The five S’s: a developmental path in Taekwondo. 1st International Taekwondo Symposium: The History & Spirit of Taekwondo and Strategies for Globalization, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (2007). Participation in and value of Taekwondo: a way to world peace through fair play. International Symposium for Taekwondo Studies: The Pursuit of World Peace through Fair Play, Beijing, China.

Educational Service—Workshops

Stefanek, K. A. (January, 2015). Sport psychology skills for Taekwondo and life. Workshop presented to the Stanford University Taekwondo Program, Stanford, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (November, 2011). Coping with performance anxiety (a.k.a. stage fright). Workshop presented to MUS 1200 – Individual Performance Studies: Piano students, Morris, MN.

Stefanek, K. A. (August, 2008). Psychological benefits of martial arts training: research and practice. Workshop presented to the University of California Martial Arts Program Korean martial arts summer camp, Berkeley, CA.

Stefanek, K. A. (July, 2008). Relaxation, motivation, and mental toughness in Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the Wyoming Taekwondo Association, Powell, WY.

Stefanek, K. A. (April, 2008). Relaxation, focus, and imagery for Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 2008). Mental skills for Taekwondo and life. Workshop presented to the Washington, DC Taekwondo Association, Washington, DC.

Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2003). Learning opportunities and self-awareness in Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (September, 2002). The positive approach to coaching in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Farmington, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (September, 2002). Motivation in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Farmington, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (September, 2002). Communication in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Farmington, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (August, 2002). Motivation in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Troy, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (August, 2002). Communication in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Troy, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 2002). Teaching principles to increase student learning. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 2002). Goal orientations in competitive Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Pocatello, ID.

Stefanek, K. A., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (November, 2001). Teaching strategies to improve student motivation—level II. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (November, 2001). Teaching strategies to improve student motivation—level I. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (August, 2001). Physical and mental skills to increase Taekwondo performance. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A., & Petlichkoff, L. M. (April, 2001). Teaching strategies to improve student motivation. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2000). Motivation in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Lansing, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (October, 2000). Communication in youth sports. Workshop presented to Michigan youth sport coaches, Lansing, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 2000). Psychological development for youth sports. Workshop presented to Detroit-area coaches as part of a Volunteers, Administrators, and Coaches grant, Detroit, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 2000). Sport psychology skills for Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the Idaho Taekwondo Association, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (November, 1999). Peak performance in Taekwondo and life. Workshop presented to Shinn’s Taekwondo Academy, Okemos, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 1999). Goal setting in Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the George Washington University Taekwondo Program, Washington, DC.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 1999). Positive self-talk in Taekwondo. Workshop presented to the Trinity College Taekwondo Program, Washington, DC.

Stefanek, K. A., & Cumming, S. P. (October, 1998). Psychological principles in youth soccer: a coach/parent perspective. Workshop presented to the Oakland Soccer League, Fenton, MI.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 1996). Teaching methodology for coaches. Workshop presented to the Mountain View Little League, Boise, ID.

Stefanek, K. A. (March, 1996). The mental aspects of coaching. Workshop presented to the Mountain View Little League, Boise, ID.

National and International Service

2014-2017 Member, Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry, United States Olympic Committee

2011-2018 Research Committee Chair, National Collegiate Taekwondo Association

2011 Guest Reviewer, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology

2009-2015 Member, Overseas Development Committee, World Taekwondo Association

2009 Conference Presider of a Panel, Association for Applied Sport Psychology

2007-2015 Member, Conference Program Review Committee, Association for Applied Sport Psychology

2006-2017 Supervisor, Certified Consultants, Association for Applied Sport Psychology

2005 Member, 30th annual National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships Technical
Advisory Committee

2002 Member, 7th World University Taekwondo Championship Technical Advisory Committee

1999-2000 Member, Continuing Education Committee, Association for the Advancement of Applied
Sport Psychology

1997 Member, 24th annual Senior National Taekwondo Championships Technical Advisory
Committee

1996 Member, 21st annual National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships Technical Advisory
Committee

State and Regional Service

2000, Conference Coordinator, 2000 Midwest Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium, Michigan State University

1999, Tournament Director, 1st Annual Big Ten Taekwondo Championships, East Lansing, MI

1999-2001, Director and Founder, Big Ten Taekwondo Division, National Collegiate Taekwondo Association

1999-2000, Regional Student Representative, Midwest Region, Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology

1994-1997, Vice President, Idaho Taekwondo Association

1996, Tournament Director, Idaho State Championships and Junior Olympics, Boise, ID

Martial Arts Achievements & Awards

2015, Seventh-degree black belt, World Taekwondo Federation

2012, Fourth-degree black belt, International Yongmudo Federation

1995, Coach of the Year, Idaho Taekwondo Association

1991, Coach of the Year, National Collegiate Taekwondo Association

1988 & 1984, All-American, National Collegiate Taekwondo Association

1985, Member, United States National Taekwondo B Team

Certifications

Sports Science and Sport First Aid certified, American Sport Education Program

Professional Associations

American Counseling Association