MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Athletics has announced the hiring of Dr. David Lacocque as the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology. Recently serving as the interim director, Lacocque has worked with the Badgers for the past five years and also has served as a senior psychologist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's University Health Services service the student population for 14 years.

"Wisconsin Athletics is very fortunate to secure the distinguished services of Dr. David Lacocque in his role as the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology," said Doug Tiedt, Wisconsin Senior Associate Athletic Director – Student Services.

"Dr. Lacocque has been an integral and valued member of our Clinical and Sport Psychology team since 2016. His knowledge and approach in this critically important area of mental health is unrivaled. Dr. Lacocque has extensive professional experience serving the college-aged population, peak-performance expertise and his many years of teaching and counseling knowledge will greatly benefit Badgers student-athletes for years to come."

In this role, Lacocque will oversee the delivery of mental health and sport psychology services (evaluation, treatment and education) provided to UW student-athletes and counseling, consultation and educational outreach services to student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, academic, student development and other athletics staff in a collaborative effort to enhance the personal, academic and athletic success of the Badgers.

Additionally, he will be responsible for the development and implementation of philosophies, policies and procedures of counseling and sport psychology service operations for student-athletes.

"I am honored to assume the Director position for Wisconsin Clinical & Sport Psychology," Lacocque said. "As we move forward, our department is committed to offering services that will seek to earn the full trust of student-athletes and promote a culture of compassion, inclusion and excellence."

Before joining the Badgers, Lacocque earned his doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Psychology (Chicago, Ill.). Since earning his degree in clinical psychology in 2001, Dr. Lacocque's professional activities have included 14 years as Senior Psychologist at UW-Madison's University Health Services, providing clinical supervision to pre-license clinicians, maintaining a private psychotherapy practice, serving as Peak Performance Specialist for Madison Futsal and teaching a range of graduate and undergraduate courses in UW-Madison's School of Social Work, and Departments of Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

A former collegiate soccer player, Lacocque earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Carleton College in 1994.