Soberlak named TRU Athletic Performance Advisor

Jan 15, 2018 | 10:38 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack are continuing their quest to become one of the top University athletics programs in the country

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The WolfPack have added what is believed to be the first Athletic Performance Advisor in Canadian University Sport.

Peter Soberlak, who is an assistant coach with the WolfPack men’s soccer team and an instructor in the athletics portion of the Physical Education department at Thompson Rivers has agreed to take the position.   The idea came out of discussions between Soberlak and the new Director of Athletics and Recration Curtis Atkinson.

 

“I’ll provide support and consultation for all TRU coaches and athletes in the area of sport psychology, program culture and development,” states Soberlak, who is a former professional hockey player and as a consultant has worked with many athletes and coaches at Thompson Rivers in the past.  He has also worked with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets and Kamloops Blazers. 

 

“I feel my background as a former professional athlete as well as a current academic and my education experience as a sport psychology consultant has provided me with a unique perspective in helping coaches and athletes deal with the many challenges and obstacles they face on a daily basis throughout their careers,” he stated. “As well proactive performance enhancement is the core of my work.”

 

“We are pleased to welcome Peter to this position,” says Atkinson.  “It is an exciting time for the WolfPack.  Peter adds a great deal of value and will play an important role in preparing individual student athletes, coaches and teams for optimal performance.  I believe this is a unique position in Canada West and shows the WolfPack’s commitment to supporting and preparing student-athletes for the rigors of the entire university sport experience.”

Atkinson adds, “Peter has a high degree of credibility with those he works with and he understands the importance of balancing academics with athletics.”

 

Soberlak will remain with the men’s soccer program in an assistant coaching capacity but feels his role will be diminished with this new responsibility along with teaching and raising a young family. “Working with men’s soccer this year was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” he explains. “John Antulov, Tim Hutton, and Adam Dodgson are by far the best coaching staff I have ever worked with, and the group of players we had were simply amazing. I love those guys!”