Andy Gillham, PhD, is a performance psychology specialist at Sanford Sports in Sioux Falls. He started in 2019.

Dr. Gillham earned his bachelor’s degree in fitness and master’s degree in human performance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He then earned his doctorate in sport psychology from the University of Idaho.

Dr. Gillham’s career is focused on helping individuals reach higher levels in their performance. He draws from existing research on coaching and psychosocial variables in sport to help athletes improve, bridging the gap between research and the applied behaviors needed to pursue growth. 

Dr. Gillham believes peak performance cannot be achieved without the physical and mental components working simultaneously. His daily pursuit is to help athletes align their behaviors with their stated goals.

He has worked with a wide variety of professions, including surgeons, firefighters and police, as well as athletes and coaches across youth, high school, collegiate and professional levels.

Dr. Gillham is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) and a certified mental performance consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). He is also an approved consultant mentor through the AASP.

Dr. Gillham has written 45 peer-reviewed and published papers and 25 national and international presentations. He is an editorial board member for the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, as well as an associate editor for the International Sport Coaching Journal.