688: Thriving Under Pressure: Mental Performance Lessons from College Football with Kris Kracht, Director of Mental Performance for Washington State University Football

Welcome back to the High Performance Mindset Podcast, the show where we explore what it takes to show up fully and perform at your best—mentally and emotionally—every single day. I’m Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

Today’s guest is someone who lives and breathes mental performance. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kristofer Kracht, a championship coach, professor, entrepreneur, and highly respected mental performance expert with over 25 years of experience. Kris is known for his vulnerability, energy, and contagious passion for helping others grow.

He currently serves as the Director of Mental Performance for Washington State University Football, where he empowers athletes to thrive under pressure and train their minds to match their physical talent. He’s also worked with elite programs at South Dakota State, Creighton, Winona State, and several others across the country.

In this episode, Kris shares what he’s teaching athletes most often, how he helps players thrive under pressure, and a simple performance number system that builds self-awareness and accountability. 

We dive into practical tools like breathing and refocusing techniques, and why hallway conversations matter more than you think. Kris also reflects on his personal journey—from studying applied sport psychology to shaping the culture at Washington State Football.

Let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Kristofer Kracht.

HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE

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