VERMILLION, S.D.—The University of South Dakota has added a new on-campus position this fall in the counseling department. Tanner Peterson will join the Coyotes as USD's coordinator of student-athlete mental health.
 
"I truly could not be more excited to join the Coyote community," said Peterson. "The University of South Dakota athletic department and counseling center have a vision to promote the wellness of their student-athletes and I'm thrilled to have a key role in this process. At my core, I believe a healthy mind is the foundation for sustainable and consistent success, in and out of the sporting arena. I am honored to hold a space where Coyote student-athletes can explore, reflect, heal, and grow towards a greater self. I'm excited for my future with the USD counseling center and Coyote athletics. Go Yotes!"
 
Peterson comes to Vermillion from Maplewood Psychology in Minnesota, where he's served as a mental health therapist since February. His role included conducting individual sessions with clients, using theory and research-based practice to provide treatment. He specialized in work with athletes and performers.
 
On the side, Peterson's also worked as a mental performance coach. In that role, he would work with coaches, athletes, and performers to highlight and improve mental toughness.
 
Peterson also served internships with the Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota as a mental health therapist, along with the Mankato MoonDogs baseball and Duluth Huskies baseball as a mental performance intern. In addition, while working towards his two master's degree, he worked as a graduate mental performance consultant at Center for Sport and Performance Psychology and as a graduate assistant with Minnesota State's student services and compliance office.
 
An alumnus of Concordia-St. Paul, Peterson graduated in 2018 with his bachelor's in sport psychology. He went on to complete a pair of master's degrees, in mental health counseling and in sport & exercise psychology, from Minnesota State University.