Juggling passions: Stedman Gans talks Rugby and Psychology

In this insightful Q&A, we sit down with Stedman Gans who is not only excelling on the field but also pursuing a degree in psychology. He shares how his academic journey complements his rugby career, offering a unique perspective on mental resilience, motivation and the balance between sport and studies. 

What inspired you to pursue a degree in psychology alongside your rugby career?

I developed a keen interest in the mental side of the game. Understanding how a positive mindset can impact both sport and personal performance led me down the path of psychology.

How do you manage your time between rigorous rugby training and academic responsibilities?

I try to start my day earlier to maximise productivity. Recently, I’ve implemented effective work techniques to ensure that when I sit down to study, it’s a productive session. I’m also currently working through a time management course with Kelly, our Bulls PDM.

Can you share any specific techniques or strategies you use to stay focused and motivated in both areas?

I don’t rely on any specific techniques for motivation. I’m fortunate to be working on two of my passions and that keeps me going most days. When times get tough, I often think of Stephen R. Covey’s quote: “Start with the end in mind”. This reminds me why I’m working hard and helps me stay focused.

How has your knowledge of psychology helped you on the rugby field, particularly in terms of mental resilience and performance?

Psychology has greatly helped me in understanding myself. The biggest benefit so far has been learning to plan for pressure. In the past, I didn’t think about it or have systems in place for handling anxiety. Now, I anticipate these feelings and have strategies ready to manage them.

Do you enjoy your psychology subjects? Do you have any favourites or ones you’ve enjoyed the least?

I’m enjoying most of my subjects. I don’t have a particular favourite at the moment, but I’ve found the history and theory of various psychological approaches fascinating.

Do you think it’s important for everyone to study psychology at some point in their life?

I don’t think psychology is for everyone. However, I do believe that everyone should have a mentor or coach to help them navigate their thoughts. 

Have you encountered any challenges in balancing these two demanding paths? If so, how have you overcome them?

Yes, I have. The biggest challenge has been managing work-life balance. Being newly married, it’s important for me to be present at home. To overcome this, I’ve started scheduling personal commitments like date nights and down time into my calendar. This helps me stay committed to those responsibilities as well.

What role does your support system (family, friends, teammates) play in helping you manage your studies and rugby career?

My family and friends play a crucial role in helping me unwind during my down time. I’m naturally motivated and don’t need much external motivation, but I can experience burnout if I don’t take time to relax with them. They help me laugh and enjoy the journey.

Can you describe a typical day in your life, balancing training sessions, classes and study time?

A typical day for me starts at 05:00 when I handle some personal admin work. I head to Loftus for rugby until about 14:00. After that, I work upstairs, attend meetings and continue my internship until 17:00. I’ll fit in an hour of personal work before heading home.

What are your long-term career goals in both rugby and psychology? How do you see them intersecting in the future?

I would love to play rugby until I’m 35 and like any player, my ultimate goal is to play for the Springboks. In terms of psychology, I’m looking into Industrial Psychology where I can work with teams — both in sports and other industries — to improve performance and the overall experience of team members.

What advice would you give to other athletes who are considering pursuing higher education while maintaining their sports careers?

I’d advise them to start as soon as possible. With a full-time sports career, studies may take longer than they would for a full-time student. This needs to be factored into their long-term life planning.