Dr P.K.C. van de Pol (Pepijn)

Dr. Pepijn van de Pol obtained a PhD in Sport Psychology from the University of Birmingham, a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (Policy, Communication & Organization) from VU University Amsterdam, and a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education from The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
His research focuses on motivation, learning, and performance in sport and other achievement settings. In particular, he examines self-regulated motivation and learning in sport and exercise, the role of achievement goals and motivational climates, and how coaching and leadership influence athletes’ motivation and performance.

Drawing on extensive experience as a sports coach, Pepijn integrates practical insights from coaching practice into his research and teaching. This applied perspective allows him to connect scientific knowledge with real-world challenges in sport and performance environments.