GREENVILLE, Pa.—Student-athletes at Thiel College heard from coach and motivational speaker Sabrina Parr during a recent presentation in Bly Hall focused on mental toughness, discipline and personal development. Parr, a former Division I athlete and six-time All-American, spoke to students about building resilience and preparing for success in athletics, academics and life.
Parr’s presentation, “Building the Dawg Mentality,” emphasized that success is earned through consistent effort, accountability and perseverance. The session aligned with Thiel College’s commitment to supporting student-athlete development at a western Pennsylvania college known for integrating academics and athletics. Her message addressed strategies for responding to adversity, maintaining focus and developing habits that translate beyond competition.
With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Parr has trained athletes ranging from youth and high school competitors to elite performers. Her approach combines physical training with mental conditioning, encouraging athletes to strengthen both performance and mindset. Her coaching philosophy centers on what it means to “become a DAWG,” a concept she uses to describe discipline, toughness and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Parr previously worked as an on-air talent for ESPN Radio in Cleveland and now leads a performance coaching business. She is also active on social media, where she shares motivational content and training insights with a following of more than 500,000 on Instagram (@getuptoparr). She spoke at Thiel College on April 15.
The program was part of Thiel College’s ongoing efforts to provide student-athletes with resources that enhance leadership, wellness and performance. By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, the College continues to prepare students for careers and lifelong success across a range of fields.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.