Leapetswe “Leps” Malete, associate professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University, has been named president-elect of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. He will serve as president-elect for one year and then president for the 2025-2026 academic year.
A faculty member of Michigan State University since 2016, Dr. Malete currently serves as director of global initiatives for the department of kinesiology and director of the International Research on Youth Sport, Physical Activity, and Health Research Lab. Earlier in his career, he held several roles with the University of Botswana in Africa, including associate professor of sport psychology and director of international programs.
As a scholar, Dr. Malete researches youth psychosocial development through sport and physical activity, self-efficacy and athletic performance, and the role of physical activity and nutrition on youth health outcomes. He is specifically interested in the international, cross-cultural applications of this research to less-served populations in the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Malete holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from the University of Botswana and a Ph.D. in sport psychology from Michigan State University.
