Proven Mental Performance Strategies from a Florida Top 10 Competitor and University of Florida PhD
Florida is the global epicenter of elite tennis, where the physical heat is only matched by the intense competitive pressure. My mission is to provide Florida tennis players, coaches, and parents with the same psychological blueprint I used to achieve a Top 10 Florida Open Division ranking in my late 30s. By competing successfully against much younger opponents, I proved that the mental skills I teach—focus, resilience, and emotional control—are the ultimate “equalizer” on the court.
A Legacy of Leadership in Florida Psychology
My approach is grounded in over 25 years as a Florida Licensed Psychologist and deep roots in the state’s professional and athletic culture:
- Professional Leadership: I am the former President of the Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Psychological Association, a role that reflects my commitment to the highest standards of psychological practice in Florida.
- The Gator Standard: My studies at the University of Florida culminated in two Master’s degrees and a PhD in Clinical & Health Psychology (Specializing in Sport Psychology). My doctoral dissertation on the psychology of sports injury involved working directly with Steve Spurrier’s 1997 National Champion Florida Gators football team.
- “Mental Equipment” on the Air: I produced and hosted “Mental Equipment,” a premier mental coaching call-in show broadcast from Miami on WAXY and WJNO radio, providing real-time performance strategies to the South Florida community.
- A Voice for Florida Tennis: For over 15 years, I was a leading editor for the late Jim Martz at Florida Tennis Magazine, authoring over 50 columns on mental toughness for tennis. I also served as a CaneSport Magazine columnist, utilizing my patented Mental Performance Index (MPI) to analyze University of Miami football.
- Academic Leadership: I have served as an adjunct professor at South University (West Palm Beach) and Argosy University (Sarasota), teaching psychology and statistics to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Elite Consultation for Florida Athletes
I have spent decades optimizing performance for Florida’s premier athletic programs, including:
- Division 1 Tennis: Working with coach Ronnie Reis Bernsteins’ women’s team at Florida International University (FIU).
- Division 1 Basketball: Two years of mental coaching for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) under coach and former NBA great Sydney Green.
- Professional Excellence: Consulting for Miami Dolphins players and countless junior athletes at Florida tennis academies including consultation as the sports psychologist to the Evert Tennis Academy.
[Sidebar/Callout Box: Featured in Florida Media]
- Radio: WAXY 790 AM (Miami) & WJNO 1290 AM (West Palm Beach)
- Print: Florida Tennis, CaneSport Magazine, South Florida Business Journal, Palm Beach Post, Boca News, and Palm Beach Daily News.
- Teams: Miami Dolphins, Florida Gators, FIU Panthers, FAU Owls.
From Florida Roots to International Success: About the Author of “Smart Tennis”
While my practice is rooted in the competitive soil of Florida, my methods have reached the global stage through my best-selling book, Smart Tennis: How to Play and Win the Mental Game. Originally developed during my years coaching and competing in the Florida Section, these techniques provide a universal language for tennis psychology. Whether I am working with a local junior in Boca Raton or a pro at Wimbledon, the goal remains the same: mastering the “Mental Equipment” necessary to win.
Photo Placement Recommendations
- Top Hero Image: A professional headshot or a photo of you on a Florida court.
- Professional Validation: Place a scan or photo of the Boca News or Palm Beach Daily News front-page features here.
- Media Authority: Use a photo of you in the studio at WAXY or WJNO near the radio section.
- Team Legacy: Include the Gators, Dolphins, or CaneSport logos/photos in the Athletics section.
Ready to Gain the Mental Edge
Bring 25 years of Florida tennis expertise directly to your game. Schedule a Virtual Consultation with Dr. Murray today for elite mental coaching tailored to your tournament or training schedule.
Book Your Session Now by calling 561-596-9898.