Dr. Craig Cypher - Sport Psychologist

04/02/2026

How you gon’ be mad on vacation?





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03/16/2026

Self-Determination Theory manages to be both an academic framework and a blueprint for connection.

This week, the University of Rochester community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Ed Deci. It was a privilege to host Dr. Alan Chu from UNC Greensboro during his visit for the occasion.

Dr. Deci fundamentally changed our understanding of human motivation. A core component of his work was relatedness, highlighting that genuine connection and community building are essential psychological needs. He modeled this not just in his research, but in how he engaged with colleagues, students, and the community.

We honored that legacy by bridging our work in sport psychology with dedicated time for professional fellowship. We shared dinner and conversation (a personal favorite that shows how we “punch above our weight” here in Rochester for top notch food). Dinner with Dr. Chu and was a true reflection of the concept of “relatedness” Dr. Deci championed.

Continuing to foster these connections is essential for fueling excellent work in our discipline and a fitting tribute to those who built its foundation.

03/13/2026

Here at , our work with the Selects Academy at Bishop Kearney 16U and 19U Girls Programs provides a unique window into the elite development of the next generation of international talent. It is a privilege to support a program that has firmly established itself as a premier training ground for future Olympians representing the United States Canada and nations across the globe.

Our most recent session focused on defining and anchoring into core team values, establishing them as the necessary foundation for elite performance. As these athletes prepare for the upcoming National Championships, leaning into these shared principles ensures that their physical, technical, tactical, and strategic preparation is matched by a unified mental framework.

The commitment these young women show to the psychological side of the game is what separates high-level competitors from those destined for the world stage. Can’t wait to see them on the National stage!

03/03/2026

Mikaela Shiffrin recently shared the post-it notes she uses to anchor her mindset before a race. I wanted to break down why her approach is incredibly effective.

We often talk about the power of cue words and mental anchors in high-pressure moments. When I sat down to rate these notes from one to ten, I realized starting at ten was the only option. Every single one of these phrases serves a distinct and powerful purpose. They give her mind specific, action-oriented anchors to help when the pressure is highest. They shift the focus away from the outcome and onto process, ex*****on, and attitude.

Make sure to swipe to the end to see which note earned a 99 out of 10. Sometimes the most scientifically sound mindset strategy is simply bringing an element of fun and laughter to the start gate.

What would your post-it note say? Let me know in the comments.

02/19/2026

A very fun to my 1st year working with the talented athletes . It’s a blast to look back and see all of those hard-working athletes, and if you look closely, you’ll see some of the key athletes playing for a Gold Medal today. Good luck to alums , , , and . Time to bring home that Gold! 💪 🧠!

02/07/2026

As I get ready to watch the Opening Ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympics, I can’t help but think about what an honor it is to be the only psychologist in all of Upstate New York to be listed in the Mental Health and Mental Performance Registries for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Supporting the incredible athletes in all stages of their Team USA journey is one of the many rewarding parts of my job. Now let’s go !

02/01/2026

Mistakes happen to everyone. Even the best athletes in the world fumble or get burned on defense. The difference between good and great players is often how they respond to those errors.
You cannot change the last play, but you can control your reaction. That is where a Reset Routine comes in.

1. Release the emotion. Take a deep breath to reset your nervous system.

2. Focus on an action. Use a physical anchor like adjusting your gloves or clapping your hands to bring you back to the present.

3. Add self-talk. Use a neutral phrase like “next play” to direct your focus forward.

Train this routine in practice so you are ready to use it when it counts.

What’s your RESET ROUTINE? Let me know in the comments.

01/28/2026

Are we failing our youth athletes by treating them like mini pros?

A recent study by Gullich and colleagues in the journal (December, 2025) confirms that the path to future success across a number of domains is rarely a straight line.

The 12 year old star often burns out. And the truly elite tend to be late bloomers. Swipe through to see the data from this study showing delaying specialization and embracing steady growth and development are the secret weapons for long-term success.

The bottom line: if your child isn’t the best on the team today, they aren’t failing. They may just be on a different trajectory.

01/09/2026

We are hiring.

The Division of Sport and Performance Psychology in the Department of Orthopedics and Physical Performance at the University of Rochester Medical Center is seeking a Mental Health and Performance Therapist to join our team.

This position is part of UR Medicine Fitness Science. It is a comprehensive athlete development program that integrates strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental performance. You will have the opportunity to use both clinical and performance enhancement skills to support athletes and teams.

The role works out of the newly built Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance. This facility houses CHAMPP and offers next generation orthopaedic medicine fully integrated with mental performance. You will have access to functional movement labs, athletic performance training areas, and biomechanical motion analysis technology. The environment fosters collaboration across the University, including connections with URMC Motion Labs, Psychiatry, and the Department of Psychology.

We are looking for a licensed mental health practitioner who is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant or eligible for certification within one year. Supervision by an approved mentor is provided.

If you are considering a move, Rochester offers an exceptional quality of life. The region features the cultural amenities of a major metro area with the community feel of a smaller city. Residents enjoy a cost of living significantly below the national average and a housing market that remains accessible. With easy access to the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, and extensive parkland, it is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Check the link in our bio for the full job description and application details.

12/18/2025

Excited to share some clips from my recent appearance on and ’s “Adam Interviews” podcast.

“Just be positive” often feels fake when you are struggling. So I love to preach ’s concept of “Neutral Thinking”. Focusing on the next small, controllable action rather than forcing positivity or spiraling into negativity.

12/14/2025

Excited to share an interview that dropped this week with News 8 WROC Rochester’s Adam Chodak on his “Adam Interviews” podcast. Always great to represent UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance and UR Medicine Fitness Science. Primarily focused on issues affecting youth sports, I thought we hit on some great topics. A must listen if you are a sports parent.

Adam Interviews: Dr. Craig Cypher, sports psychologist

12/12/2025

Time to get back after it again. Mindset sessions with Winter Sports started this week. Utilizing research-backed methods to set goals for the new season. Want the worksheet I use for goal setting with teams and athletes? Comment GOALS below and I’ll send you a copy.

What are your goals for this Winter?