About
Ann S. Reilly, Ph.D.
Applied sport and performance psychologist, author, educator, and former collegiate tennis coach — also known as Ann Reilly, Ph.D., or Ann Spicer Reilly.
A Lifelong Practitioner
Three decades of helping athletes develop the mental skills behind peak performance.
I am an applied sport and performance psychologist, author, educator, and former collegiate tennis coach with over three decades of experience helping athletes – especially equestrians, tennis players, and golfers – develop the mental skills needed for peak performance.
As a graduate student at the University of Virginia, I served as Graduate Assistant to the world-renowned sport psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella. Bob brought applied sport psychology to international attention, and I am grateful to learn from him and continue helping athletes with what I learned from him.
Professional Experience
Partnering with amateur and professional athletes worldwide since 1994.
I have worked as an Applied Sport Psychology and Performance Enhancement Consultant since 1994, partnering with amateur and professional athletes across many disciplines around the world. My focus is on practical mental strategies for peak performance, overcoming psychological barriers such as slumps and technique changes, skill acquisition, attitude and habit change, psychological rehabilitation from injury and traumatic events, and building unshakable confidence under pressure.
I bring a special emphasis to equestrian sports, drawing directly from my lifelong experience as a competitive rider on the American “A” circuit.
My client work includes presentations and consulting for major organizations such as the American Horse Shows Association (now USEF), the United States Pony Club, and the United States Equestrian Team Young Riders’ program. I maintain a private practice supporting riders and athletes from beginner to international levels.
Coach of the Year · 1990
Head NCAA Tennis Coach. Old Dominion Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
I served as Assistant Professor at Sweet Briar College, where I was also Head NCAA Tennis Coach for six years. In 1990 I was voted Old Dominion Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and led a successful NCAA program. I have also taught at the University of Virginia and the Foxcroft School.
Publications & Contributions
Author, columnist, and contributor to foundational sport psychology literature.
A Sport Psychology Workbook for Riders
Sport Psychology
Man O’ War & Will Harbut
Columns
Ten years writing for Sidelines Magazine.
I contributed a regular sport psychology column for Sidelines Magazine for ten years, as well as American Riding Instructors Magazine, and Hunter and Sport magazine.
Education
Academic foundation rooted at the University of Virginia.
Ph.D.
University of Virginia
M.Ed.
University of Virginia
B.A.
Trinity College
Honored with selection for an Outstanding Young Women of America award.
A Personal Approach
I live in the Virginia area, travel often to competitions to work with athletes personally, and continue my work as a consultant, speaker, and advocate for mental performance training in sports. My approach combines academic rigor, practical coaching experience, and personal athletic insight to help individuals and teams reach their highest potential.
I have competed in swimming, collegiate tennis, and nationally and internationally in equestrian sports at the top level for over 50 years.
“Clients always tell me I am friendly and easy to open up to about their personal sports issues. I look forward to working with you!”
Active on LinkedIn · Facebook (Equestrian Sport Psychology) · X @AnnReilyPhd