Case Study: Tracey Devonport

Role in university

January 1, 2021 marked my 20th year at the University of Wolverhampton. I started as a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology and have worked my way up to Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science. I currently lead the Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre (SPARC) and have been leading completion of SPARC’s Research Excellence Framework submission. Both roles give me great insight into the fantastic research undertaken by staff and postgraduate students within SPARC. For example, did you know that SPARC is a world leader in examining exercise as medicine in managing non-communicable diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis? Or that our research has informed preparations of Team GB Judoka for Tokyo 2021, or the training practices of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club?

What are your research interests?

I can find interest in almost anything, however, I am particularly passionate about applied research focussed on stress, coping and emotion regulation. This research has led to meeting, interviewing, and offering interventions to some incredibly accomplished individuals. I am particularly interested in proactive coping and the benefits coping interventions have for delimiting stress (we all need a certain amount of stress in our lives), accomplishing goals, and enhancing wellbeing.

What made you choose the career path you’re currently on?

I remember being around 7 years old and telling my swimming teacher (in a coal-heated swimming pool in Barnsley) that I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer – the first time I recall stating a career intent! It signifies my lifelong passion for sport. In 1984, I was at my grandparents’ house watching the Los Angeles Olympics and seeing Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, and Tessa Sanderson all picking up Gold medals in athletics events. I remember thinking that I would like to help athletes maximise their potential, and that perhaps there was a career in it for me. In 1989 I bought a book by Peter Terry, ‘The Winning Mind’, and my sights were fixed on Sport Psychology as a career. Strangely enough, Prof. Lane cited Prof. Peter Terry as his biggest influence in the inaugural newsletter edition. From there onwards I have set goals, shared my goals with others, and ticked them off, one by one. I like people and I like sport, and it remains a career that I thoroughly enjoy because of these foundational criteria.

Biggest influence

Prof. Andy Lane. We have worked together for all 20 years of my time at the University of Wolverhampton. He guided me in completing my first research projects and has been a fabulous critical friend ever since.

What are your interests outside of your role at the University of Wolverhampton?

Away from work, I like nothing more than to be outdoors and active. If I can do something with my family and friends, then all the better. In particular, I like long-distance cycling, open water swimming and running. Much to my surprise I recently finished 7^th in a 25k swim challenge. I am currently completing the virtual Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) run/walking challenge. I cycled LEJOG (for real not virtually) with my dad and sister back in 2014 as a fundraiser for a local hospice. I thought it would be good to virtually run/walk it too.

Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?

It would have to be my doppelgänger Angelina Jolie to capture a no-nonsense/ purposeful life journey with lots of fabulous co-actors/actresses.