Courtney Awe

Karina began working with Patterson Sports Ventures in 2021 and now works full-time with PSV, bringing together her experience as a Division I student-athlete, education in sport & exercise psychology, and passion for developing athletes both in sport and in life. She also coaches softball, specializing in hitting and catching instruction.

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Karina played collegiate softball at Pomona-Pitzer and the University of North Texas (UNT), competing at the NCAA Division III and Division I levels.

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As a student-athlete and professional, Karina’s accomplishments include:

• Member of the winningest softball team in Pomona-Pitzer program history, reaching No. 11 in the national rankings

• Competed for the University of North Texas softball team from 2021–2023

• Member of the first UNT team to win the Conference USA Championship Tournament

• Helped UNT advance to an NCAA Regional Final and reach No. 22 in the NCAA Division I national rankings

• B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, Pitzer College (2021)

• M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport & Exercise Psychology, University of North Texas (2023)

• Research experience in the UNT Sport & Exercise Psychophysiology Lab, including work involving EEG technology, neurocognitive function, mental health, emotion regulation, and sport performance

• Experience applying evidence-based sport and performance psychology principles in high-performing military environments to strengthen mental skills, resilience, readiness, and performance under pressure

• Private hitting and catching instructor

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Personally, Karina is committed to continuing to grow beyond her identity and accomplishments as an athlete. Her experiences competing at two different collegiate levels, navigating change, pursuing graduate education, and transitioning into her professional life have shaped how she approaches her own Journey of Life. She values self-awareness, energy management, and being INTENT10NAL about developing the person behind the performance.

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Professionally, Karina is passionate about bringing together the science of sport psychology and the human side of coaching to help athletes perform, develop, and navigate the challenges that come with competitive sport. Through her work with PSV and Life Training Academy, she uses her education, research, coaching experience, and perspective as a former student-athlete to help others develop skills they can use in both their sport and their lives. She is especially interested in mental performance, self-regulation, identity, and cognitive-behavioral processes.

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Philanthropically, Karina is committed to the Live It 2 Give It model by using what she has learned through sport and education to help others. She believes the lessons and opportunities she has received are most meaningful when she can use them to develop the next generation. Through coaching and service, Karina wants young athletes to know that their value extends beyond their performance and that the skills they develop through sport can help them become CHAMP10NS in life.

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Karina’s work reflects the Life Training Academy 3D Model:

PERSONALLY — BE ME.
Develop the person behind the performance.

PROFESSIONALLY — BUILD WE.
Use science, coaching, and relationships to help people perform and grow.

PHILANTHROPICALLY — G.I.V.E. H.O.P.E.
Live It 2 Give It by using experience and expertise to help other people excel.

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Karina brings the perspective of an athlete, researcher, sport psychology professional, and coach to the Life Training Academy mission of training people to win their lives as intentionally as they train to win in sport.