Meaghan McCarthy

http://www.m3sportpsych.com/

Meaghan McCarthy works with athletes of all ages, sports and skill levels as the owner and head mental performance consultant of M3 Sport Psych in Monrovia, Calif. Her love for sport psychology began at the age of 16, when she discovered she could combine her passion for hockey with her desire to help others.

While getting her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Redlands, McCarthy played ice hockey for four years on the men’s D-III varsity, leading the team as a captain during her last two years. She earned her master's in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and her thesis explored the experience, honor and sacrifice of being an elite ice hockey captain.

McCarthy is actively trying to advance the field of sport psychology through her membership in the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and as a founder of the Southern California Society of Sport Psychology (SCSSP).

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Summer Mental Training Plan for Wrestling

June 17, 2013 | Meaghan McCarthy

Wrestlers: there are some critical steps you need to take before relaxing into your summer routine. Before the season becomes a distant memory, take some time to reflect on what happened. Meditating on the past season's accomplishments and/or let downs can...

How to Set Goals for a Successful Wrestling Season

October 15, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

The new wrestling season marks a fresh start. Everyone begins with a perfect record. But what really sets the tone for a successful season are your personal goals. As the season approaches, your anticipation builds with thoughts of what's to come:...

Goalie Brain Training: Dominate Shootouts and Breakaways

October 10, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Goalies, do you get anxious just imagining a shootout or an unpredictable breakaway? In these one-on-one situations, goalies commonly fall victim to overthinking instead of trusting their instincts. Eliminate apprehension from your game completely with positive imagery. This is where you...

Mental Toughness Begins with Self-Awareness

September 12, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Self-awareness is the starting point for change and growth. As an athlete, if you lack self-awareness, it's practically impossible for you to be mentally tough. And that can be an issue for your game. Mental toughness is the cornerstone of athletic...

Sports Psychology Tips for In-Between Moments in Wrestling

September 2, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Finding even a small mental edge over an opponent can change the outcome of a wrestling match. Although most wrestlers have sound pre-performance routines, few take advantage of a match's in-between moments. Granted, they are brief, but whenever the referee blows...

4 Ways to Maintain Motivation During Wrestling Practice

August 18, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Every wrestler has had a practice that makes it hard to love the sport. Between conditioning, drills and live action, wrestling practice can be physically draining. It can also be psychologically demanding, to a point where it's a challenge to...

Powerful Wrestling Psychology Tips For Getting Out of Near-Fall Position

August 9, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Six minutes. That doesn't seem like a long time to maintain your energy. Unless you're wrestler and you find yourself in a near-fall position. The intensity required in wrestling three two-minute rounds makes it physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. Although...

Cohesion Passing Drill Builds Hockey Team Chemistry and Passing Confidence

August 6, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Successful passing between teammates is crucial in hockey. It establishes control of the game. A good pass also indicates strong team chemistry, the puck going cleanly from tape to tape and to where a player will be. Have fun next...

How to Shine As a Back-Up Hockey Goalie

August 4, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

It's difficult to be a backup in any sport. You don't get much playing time, but you're expected to perform at the drop of a hat. The role of a back-up hockey goalie is especially complicated. To be successful, teams...

Improve Hockey Focus With the Shifting Scrimmage Drill

July 31, 2012 | Meaghan McCarthy

Given the fast-paced nature of their sport, good hockey athletes are able to respond instantly to changes in their environment. Players are required to quickly shift focus from narrow to broad, a skill that is not easy to master. Refine...

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