Sport Psychology Blog for Athletes, Coaches & Parents
Why I’m Hopeful About Woven: IRONMAN’s Plan for Women in Triathlon
IRONMAN's new women's initiative names time, space, and belonging as the problems to solve. Here's what I think they’re getting right, and what I'm hoping for.
Diet Culture and Body Image in Female Athletes: Why I Hated My Race Photo (and What the Science Says)
I placed 2nd at my triathlon and qualified for nationals. But when I saw my finishing photo, all I could think was how big I looked. Here's what research says about diet culture, body image in athletes, and what actually helps when you hate your race photos.
Managing Parental Pressure in Youth Sports: A Parent's Guide
Your athlete's coach sees something you might not: how your well-meaning support can inadvertently add pressure. Discover what coaches wish they could tell you about post-game conversations, parental anxiety, and supporting your competitive athlete without sacrificing their love for the sport.
Teen Athlete Nutrition: How to Fuel Performance, Recovery, and Growth
Exhausted after practice? Not hungry at dinner? Many teen athletes aren't fueling enough, and the consequences go far beyond performance. Learn what your body actually needs, why the advice you've heard might be wrong, and how to build a sustainable relationship with food that supports both performance and well-being.
How to Coach a Defensive Athlete: 6 Evidence-Based Strategies
If you have an athlete who argues with every piece of feedback, they're not resisting because they don't respect you—they're resisting because feedback feels like an attack. Here's what coaches need to know.
How to Build Self-Worth as an Athlete: 6 Research-Backed Steps
Your worth as an athlete isn't tied to your performance. Learn six research-backed steps to build genuine self-worth that doesn't crumble with every setback, complete with practices you can start using today.
Belonging in Sport: Finding Community as an Athlete
Belonging in sport shouldn't be conditional. Here's why finding genuine community as an athlete is so hard, and where to find people who actually get your lived experience.
How Coaches and Parents Can Help Athletes Struggling with Self-Criticism | Evidence Based-Strategies
When athletes are harsh on themselves after mistakes, reassurance often fails. Sport psychology research reveals what actually helps, and it's not a pep talk.
Embodiment for Athletes: How Listening to Your Body Improves Performance and Recovery
Research shows that elite athletes who develop embodied awareness—the ability to interpret their body's internal signals—perform better under pressure, recover faster, and make smarter real-time decisions during competition.
Women's Sport Psychology in 2026: What the Research Says Is In — and What's Out for Female Athletes
The gap between research and practice in women's sport psychology is wider than ever. After reviewing the latest IOC Consensus Statements and groundbreaking work from Kerr, Mountjoy, and Davenport, here's what needs to shift in 2026.
How to Support Trans and Non-Binary Athletes: A Practical Guide for Teammates, Coaches & Allies
Awareness isn't enough. Trans and non-binary athletes need concrete support systems, proactive policies, and allies who challenge existing structures. Here's how to create real change in your sporting community.
5 Coaching Shifts That Keep Teen Girls Engaged in Mountain Biking: A Coach’s Guide
By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. The barrier isn't on the trail—it's in how we talk about who belongs there. Here's what coaches need to know to keep teen girls engaged in mountain biking.
Size Inclusion in Endurance Sports: Creating Communities Where Every Athlete Belongs
Athletes in larger bodies face unique barriers in endurance sports—from limited gear options to harmful assumptions about their abilities. Learn practical strategies for creating truly inclusive athletic communities where every body belongs.
Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Clutch Performance for Athletes
The difference between clutch performance and choking isn't talent or preparation—it's how you interpret pressure. Learn the four essential ingredients for performing at your best when it matters most.
Building Psychologically Safe and High-Performance Mountain Bike Teams: A Guide for Coaches
Coaching high school mountain bikers is about more than training plans and race results. It’s about creating a team culture where athletes feel safe, supported, and motivated to grow. This guide offers actionable strategies to help coaches foster psychological safety, build resilience, and develop high-performing teams.
Social Media and Athletes: Building Digital Wellness and Authentic Motivation
Social media can inspire athletes or undermine their confidence. This guide explores how to navigate the digital slopes, reclaim your 'why,' and build a healthier relationship with social media.
Brain Health Is Performance Health: A Call to Action for Healthcare Providers
For female athletes, brain health is the foundation of peak performance. Explore the science, uncover blind spots, and implement actionable strategies to support brain and body health.
The Confidence Paradox: Why "Be More Confident" Is a Trap for Female Athletes
"Just be more confident." For female athletes, this advice ignores a complex reality: the fine line between confidence and what society labels as arrogance. This article explores why this happens and how to build genuine, unshakable confidence without apology.
Is Your Smartphone Harming Your Sleep—and Athletic Performance?
Your phone might be sabotaging your athletic progress. Learn how blue light and late-night scrolling impact sleep and discover practical tips to reclaim your recovery.
Burnout, Perimenopause, or Depression? How to Tell and What to Do
Struggling to tell if it’s burnout, perimenopause, or depression? Discover the key differences and actionable steps to take for your well-being.