In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we meet UL graduate Dr Rachel Sheehan, Performance Psychologist, Well-being Consultant, and former professional basketball player.
Rachel, who completed her Structured PhD in Physical Education and Sport Sciences with Sport Psychology in UL's Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, received her doctorate just weeks after welcoming her first child in 2018.
Since then, Rachel has built up an impressive line-up of clients in sport and industry over the years. Most recently, working with the Dublin Senior Hurlers and Galway Senior Hurlers as a Performance Psychologist. Rachel reflects fondly on her time in UL and the people she met along the way.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am from Limerick but currently settled in Nenagh with my husband and children.
I am a lifelong sportswoman (playing basketball for Ireland and professionally; obtaining a D1 US college scholarship) who loves being active, particularly running and going to the gym with friends.
I also enjoy being involved in my kids’ activities, such as coaching basketball and soccer. Traveling and reading are two other hobbies.
Why did you choose UL for your PhD in Sports Psychology?
I spent many years as a teenager playing basketball in UL and knew it had a strong reputation for studies in sport. It is also well-located for research because there are so many teams and athletes nearby, with world-class facilities on the doorstep.
As someone who spends lots of time with family, it was also important to me that it was near both Limerick and Nenagh, rather than requiring me to travel too far away.
What did you enjoy most about your research journey?
Definitely the people! I made lifelong friends in the PESS Department, many of whom came to our wedding and one (the wonderful Dr Grainne Hayes) who is even godmother to our youngest child. There was such a collaborative and fun atmosphere in the office that made it easy to put in focused work, broken up with runs and chats.
Did you have time to get involved in student life while you were here?
Not particularly. Between training for marathons (Grainne again), planning a wedding, and being pregnant with our first child, I had quite a lot of non-UL things to keep me occupied.
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance for you?
Nearly all my time was spent in PESS and running along the river bank so I remember those areas very fondly.
How did UL support you throughout your studies?
I had an incredible supervisor, Dr Mark Campbell, who continues to support me to this day. Mark was always available for a chat or guidance on any topic and made me feel like I was one of his top priorities throughout my four years.
Tell me about your own career journey so far.
I began working with Ibec as a KeepWell Mark Assessor after I graduated, which I continue to do today. The role involves me traveling around the country to visit different companies and assess their wellbeing supports against a validated framework.
My passion, however, lies in the performance psychology work I do, which was inspired by my own work with a sport psychologist when I was in college in the US.
I have been fortunate to be embedded with two inter-county teams (Galway Hurlers in 2024 and Dublin Hurlers in 2025), as well as having many club teams and individual athletes that I engage with throughout the year.
It is rewarding, educational, and inspiring to see a primary school Irish dancer, professional darts player, and amateur footballer, as examples, allow me to support them on their journeys.
What or who inspired you to pursue this career?
I periodically met a sport psychologist named Jeff Troesch when I played college basketball in California. I never experienced any major setbacks but found that he always presented a unique perspective when we spoke.
He was refreshing and supportive and left me wanting to explore different ways I could improve, which is something I try to incorporate into my work today.
How have your studies ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ contributed to your career?
Having a PhD has been hugely positive for my career. In addition to giving me credibility, it has equipped me with knowledge and skills that I wouldn’t have obtained otherwise.
I was immersed in the literature for several years and enrolled in several informative modules that have significantly improved my ability to connect with and support athletes of all ages and levels.
It has also given me a more critical and curious perspective because I spent so much time interrogating data and findings.
Are there any lessons or insights you wish you had known when starting your career?
There are no regrets or what-ifs from my journey because every decision has gotten me to where I am today.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I wish to grow my work in the area of performance psychology by connecting with more teams, athletes, and potentially businesses so that I can be for performers what Jeff Troesch was for me. Our youngest child is starting school this year, so it is the opportune time for me to expand my work and continue my development.
Here ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, we encourage our students to ‘Stay Curious’. What keeps you curious?
My lifelong passion for sport motivates me to stay curious because the field, particularly psychology, is constantly evolving. Also, no two athletes are the same so it is critical for me to be open-minded and allow the athlete to sit in the driving seat.
My approach is to support, rather than direct, which means that curiosity is a fundamental requirement as I get to know an athlete.