Mind and Motion: Emma Pownall on Concussions and Mental Performance in Sport
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, student-athletes from our soccer, rugby, and tennis teams gathered for a powerful and eye-opening presentation by Emma Pownall, M.Sc. Psychology, B.Sc. (Hons) Kinesiology with a Minor in Psychology. A dedicated member of the Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness (PACA) panel—which includes LCS’s own Janice Runza, B.Sc.N. (Hons), R.N.—Emma brought a wealth of knowledge and warmth to her talk, leaving a lasting impression on both students and coaches.
Emma explored the important intersection of physical activity and mental well-being, emphasizing how sport can positively impact mood, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, boost self-esteem, and strengthen social connections. She also touched on the ways regular movement enhances cognitive function and can help manage symptoms of depression.
A significant portion of her presentation focused on the psychological toll of sports-related injuries, with a special emphasis on concussions. Through engaging, interactive discussions, Emma helped students better understand the invisible side of recovery and the emotional journey that can accompany physical setbacks.
In addition to raising awareness, Emma equipped students with practical tools from the world of sports psychology. From breathing techniques to pre-performance routines and the power of positive self-talk, her strategies offered meaningful ways for athletes to strengthen not only their bodies but their mindset and resilience, too.
We’re deeply grateful to Emma for sharing her time, experience, and energy with our community. Her talk was both timely and impactful, reminding us that taking care of our mental game is just as important as our physical one.
To learn more about PACA and its work supporting concussion awareness and education, visit https://www.paca.health/.
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4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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