Who is David "Dirk" Smith?

Coach David "Dirk" Smith (M.Sc, B.Sc, CSCS) is a sport psychology expert, performance coach, teacher, writer, journalist, researcher and athlete. He brings passion, drive to learn, and over 15 years of experience to teach, inspire and guide athletes, coaches and everyday people to find and express themselves through exercise and sport. Currently based in Cologne, Germany; Dirk's outreach is truly international as he continuously seeks to challenge his own personal and professional life through education and experience.​ 

​Connect with Dirk on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and ResearchGate.

Qualifications

• M.Sc Sports Psychology
• B.Sc. Exercise Science and Nutrition 
• ​NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer 
• Compete Sports Diversity Leadership
• AFAA Group Exercise Instructor
• ​Red Cross Certified Emergency Medical Responder, CPR/AED, Bloodborne Pathogen, Oxygen Administration and Lifeguard

Practical Experience

• Strength and Conditioning Coach- SC Janus 
• Associate Editor- Compete Sports Diversity 
• Research Assistant- German Sports University
• Head of Gay/Straight Alliance- German Sports University (2019-2021)
• Fitness Manager- Gym Uptown (2013-2018)
• Strength & Conditioning Coach, Personal Trainer- Metropolitan State University of Denver (2012-2013)
• Swim Coach, Fitness Instructor, Swim Teacher- Swim and Fitness Center (2010-2015)

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In brief...

My passion is based upon how exercise and sport impact mental, physical and social health. Through this passion I have accumulated 15 years of experience in the field as an athlete, coach, teacher, mentor and community leader all centered around the positive impact exercise and sport has on both the individual and the community. As a result, I am honored to continue working with and learning from my student's, client's and colleagues while having a positive impact on their lives. These relationships continue to shape my personal and professional knowledge, philosophy and guiding principles beyond my formal education. 

My philosophy has been built around establishing a greater purpose in exercise and sport by empowering my students, clients and community to find goals and build motivation based around the fulfillment of their psychological needs. I believe that self expression and authenticity through exercise and sport builds confidence, enhances sense of self, wellbeing and performance.

Current Projects

• Quantitative study on embodied choices, emergent coordination and JDM behaviors in sports.
• Qualitative study on coaching behaviors and emotional intelligence in eSports.
• Quantitative study on the influence of the diving reflex on heart rate variability (HRV).​
• Systematic review on personality traits in coach/athlete relationships.
• Systematic review on the diving reflex and stress.
• Workshop on the ecological dynamics of combat sports as a complex system.
  
• Co-authoring a textbook chapter on Motivation as a complex system.

Disciplines

• LGBTQI Diversity and Inclusion in Sport
• Motivational Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology 
  • Judgement and Decision Making Behaviors
  • Ecological and Coordination Dynamics
• Exercise and Mental Health
• Coaching
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Swimming
• Personal Training and Group Fitness​