Title: 1) Sports Psychologist; 2) Host
Company: 1) Private Practice Sports Psychologist; 2) Dr. Andrew Jacobs Sports Psychology Hour on Sports Radio 810 WHB
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Andrew A. Jacobs, PhD, Private Practice Sports Psychologist and Host of Dr. Andrew Jacobs Sports Psychology Hour on Sports Radio 810 WHB, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements and leadership in Sports Psychology.
With a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Jacobs has established himself as a leading authority in the field of sports psychology. Since 1981, he has operated a private practice in Kansas City, Missouri, offering individual and group sessions to athletes of all ages. His expertise encompasses mental performance coaching, self-esteem development and youth sports mental health. In addition to seeing clients in person and through video platforms, Dr. Jacobs is known for his dynamic presentations and speeches across the country. He also produces video podcast content on youth sports and mental health and works with athletes ranging from children to senior golfers.
Since 1992, Dr. Jacobs has hosted “Dr. Andrew Jacobs Sports Psychology Hour” on Sports Radio 810 WHB. Through this weekly Sunday morning radio show, he shares stories and insights drawn from his extensive experience, addressing both the triumphs and challenges faced by athletes at all levels. Dr. Jacobs’s commentary often highlights the importance of mental resilience and the impact of coaching behaviors on young athletes’ experiences in sports.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Jacobs served as a team psychologist for the Kansas City Blazers from 1983 to 2013. He also contributed to the Kansas City Royals as a sports psychologist in 1990 and again between 2008 and 2011. From 1982 to 1988, with the exception of 1987, he was a key member of the U.S. Cycling Team’s support staff, providing psychological guidance during several World Championships and at the Olympic Games. Dr. Jacobs’s involvement with USA Cycling culminated in a pivotal role during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics when the team secured nine medals after a lengthy drought. This achievement brought him national recognition through an appearance on the ABC news show, “Good Morning America.”
Dr. Jacobs’s influence extends to collegiate athletics as well. He worked with Kansas Athletics, Inc., from 1982 to 1985, following his involvement providing support to both the men’s and women’s track teams at the University of Kansas between 1981 and 1983. During this period, he played a part in helping the men’s track team secure Big Eight indoor and outdoor championship titles in 1982. Additional roles included serving as sports psychologist for the Kansas City Comets’ indoor soccer team, the Chicago White Sox, the Kansas City Current and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Jacobs has also collaborated with swimming and weightlifting federations.
In preparation for his future, Dr. Jacobs received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Vanderbilt University, followed by a master’s degree in clinical psychology with a specialization in sports psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology with a specialization in sports psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant University in San Diego, California. These academic achievements laid the groundwork for his pioneering work in integrating psychological principles into athletic performance.
While working toward his degrees, Dr. Jacobs participated in internships at San Diego State University, where he supported the men’s tennis team and women’s gymnastics team as a sports psychology intern. These formative experiences reinforced his commitment to advancing mental health awareness within athletics.
Dr. Jacobs is a member of both the American Psychological Association and the National Register of Health Service Providers, affiliations that underscore his commitment to professional standards within psychology. His work with organizations such as the Professional Golfers’ Association and the United States Tennis Association further demonstrates his broad impact on athletic communities.
Recognized for his writing and speaking abilities, Dr. Jacobs is a published author and sought-after speaker. He co-authored “Just Let ‘em Play: Guiding Parents, Coaches and Athletes Through Youth Sports,” which has been referred to as the bible of youth sports for its comprehensive exploration of challenges within youth athletics. Dr. Jacobs also authored “The Winning Edge: Finding Your Keys to Personal Power and Success.” Additionally, he is the creator of relaxation and visualization audio programs for sports.
Throughout his career, Dr. Jacobs has been recognized for several major accomplishments, including his contributions to USA Cycling’s medal-winning performance at the Olympics in 1984, his participation in World Championships with USA Cycling, his participation in supporting record-breaking performances by professional athletes such as Bo Jackson, George Brett, Nick Lowery, Mitch Morse and Tom Gordon, and, among other notable accomplishments, assisting collegiate swimmer Tammy Thomas in breaking several records. He credits much of his success to the unwavering encouragement provided by his mother, whose support was instrumental throughout his career development.
Over time, Dr. Jacobs has witnessed significant changes within athletics regarding attitudes toward mental health. When he entered the field in 1981, skepticism was widespread. Today, there is growing acknowledgment that psychological well-being is essential not only for elite athletes but for individuals at every level of sport participation. Dr. Jacobs remains committed to raising awareness about these issues through media appearances, public speaking engagements and ongoing clinical work. He is also eager to expand his video podcast series on youth sports mental health alongside ongoing radio broadcasts, while remaining engaged with clients through private practice as he approaches five decades of service within his profession.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Dr. Jacobs: