Sports psychology a natural fit for former UND athlete

May 6, 2026 - 03:05

Sydney Raboin knows the pressure of competition firsthand. As a former University of North Dakota athlete, she spent years pushing her body to its limits on the field. Now, as a graduate student, she is turning her focus inward -- studying the mental side of sports performance.

Raboin is exploring how psychological interventions can help athletes perform at their best. Her research looks at techniques like visualization, self-talk, and breathing exercises. She wants to understand not just what works, but why it works for different athletes in different situations.

The transition from athlete to researcher came naturally. Raboin says her own experiences with pre-game nerves and post-loss frustration made her curious about the mental tools that could have helped her. She noticed that physical training was always prioritized, while mental preparation was often an afterthought.

In her current work, Raboin examines how structured mental training can reduce anxiety and improve focus during high-stakes moments. She believes that sports psychology should be as routine as strength training or film study. Her goal is to make these tools accessible to athletes at all levels, not just professionals.

Raboin also studies how coaches can better support their players' mental health. She argues that creating an environment where athletes feel safe discussing pressure and failure is just as important as any drill or strategy.

Her own athletic background gives her credibility with the teams she works with. When she talks about the yips or the weight of expectations, she speaks from experience. That connection, she says, helps athletes open up and take the mental side of their sport more seriously.

For Raboin, the work is personal. She wants to give future athletes the mental skills she wishes she had.