Doctoral graduate valued by storied sports teams

September 30, 2026 - 00:14

Pardon Chad Bohling for not being able to attend his Oct. 14 College of Doctoral Studies commencement ceremonies at GCU. Bohling, who successfully defended his dissertation earlier this year, has built a career that keeps him in high demand among some of the most storied sports teams in the country.

His work focuses on the mental and emotional components of athletic performance, an area that professional organizations increasingly view as essential to winning. Bohling has spent years helping athletes and coaches manage pressure, sharpen focus, and maintain consistency across long seasons. That expertise has made him a trusted figure inside locker rooms and front offices alike.

Earning a doctorate while working full time in professional sports required strict time management and personal sacrifice. Bohling balanced research deadlines with the daily demands of supporting elite competitors. His dissertation examined how psychological readiness influences performance outcomes, a topic drawn directly from his hands-on experience in the field.

Missing the ceremony was a tradeoff he accepted, though not without some regret. Still, the milestone represents more than a diploma. It signals that mental performance coaching has moved from the margins to the center of how teams operate. For Bohling, the degree adds academic weight to practical knowledge, positioning him to influence the next generation of athletes and the organizations that employ them.