Sean Szabo
From 2022 to the present, Sean has been pursuing his bachelor's degree in Sport Science at the German Sport University Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, DSHS), where he focuses on the intersection of performance, psychology, and training science. His academic work is centred around talent development in football, with a particular emphasis on motivational processes, resilience, and the psychosocial demands placed on young athletes in elite development environments.
Alongside his studies, Sean has been actively involved in applied coaching. He currently works as a youth football coach within an academy-level environment, gaining practical experience in player development, training design, and the management of group dynamics under performance pressure. This dual perspective—combining scientific theory with on-pitch application—shapes his approach to both coaching and research.
His primary interests lie in sport psychology and psychophysiology, particularly in understanding how cognitive and emotional processes interact with physiological regulation. Within this context, he is especially interested in heart rate variability (HRV), breathing interventions, and their role in stress regulation, decision-making, and performance in football. He aims to explore how these mechanisms differ across individuals and how they can be integrated into training and coaching practice.
Sean is currently involved in projects related to HRV and scientific communication under the supervision of Sylvain Laborde at the German Sport University Cologne. His work contributes to bridging the gap between research and applied practice, translating complex scientific findings into accessible strategies for athletes and coaches.
Looking ahead, he plans to further specialise in sport psychology and mental performance, with the goal of working in high-performance football environments. His long-term ambition is to combine coaching expertise with evidence-based psychological support, helping athletes optimise both performance and wellbeing.