The impact of pregame state anxiety on level of performance among female collegiate soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in game soccer performance in relation to pregame state anxiety and pregame anticipation. Level of performance is heavily influenced by an athletes arousal. Whether that arousal is experienced as stress and anxiety or excitement is determined on an individual game basis. In order to determine whether or not anxiety and performance has any correlation, an assortment of variables were observed and compared. Prior to each competition subjects participated in a State Trait Anxiety Inventory to determine pre-game state anxiety level. Additionally, anxiety scores were collected prior to each game using a Pregame Anxiety Self Report Scale. Subjects individualized soccer game statistics from regular season and postseason games were collected. Game statistics included measures of speed, intensity, distance, work rate, and hard running via SPT (GameTraka, Australia) GPS monitoring devices. These devices can give a precise depiction of the physical demands of a sport due to the advanced technology used. Understanding the demands of a sport is essential in preparation and recovery, which is more easily understood after using the GPS. It is hypothesized that a higher level of pregame state anxiety will lead to higher levels of performance in a collegiate women’s soccer athlete