Robert Tuckman, MA, LPC, EdS is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Performance Coach. Rob earned his Master’s degree from Rider University, his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Syracuse University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Sports Psychology from Rider University.Much of Robert’s career has been spent working in schools, where he served as a School Counselor, Dean, and Varsity Lacrosse and Wrestling Coach. In 2018, he co-founded Next Level Mental Performance, with the goal of providing high-performance athletes an outlet to develop the mental skills required to compete at the highest levels. He remained in an ownership role with Next Level through 2025. Currently, Robert continues to serve on staff at Next Level as a Performance Coach while also owning and operating his own clinical practice. Robert integrates mental performance training with evidence-based counseling to support athletes, professionals, and individuals striving for personal growth and excellence.
Robert has been competing in and coaching sports for over 45 years, earning numerous championships, accomplishments, and honors throughout his career. His approach to performance training is grounded in a few simple but powerful principles: The Three Rules for Youth (show up, have your stuff, and give 100%), cancelling out the noise, The Switch, and controlling the controllables. As a coach for more than 35 years in Lacrosse, Wrestling, and Golf, Rob has consistently led teams and individual athletes to reach their highest potential by emphasizing these foundational concepts, along with a comprehensive mental skills framework. His coaching philosophy centers on meeting athletes where they are, simplifying performance into its most essential components, and integrating proven techniques such as mental conditioning, visualization, and arousal regulation. This blend of structure, simplicity, and psychological skill development has become the “secret sauce” behind the sustainable success athletes seek—both in competition and beyond.
An athlete his entire life, Robert was a three-sport letterman in Soccer, Wrestling, and Lacrosse throughout high school, and continued his lacrosse career at the collegiate club level at Syracuse University. Following college, Robert transitioned from athlete to coach, working across a wide range of sports including Women’s Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, and Golf. His primary sport was Men’s Lacrosse, where over the course of his career he led teams to multiple State, County, and League Championships, and earned Coach of the Year honors on three separate occasions. Beyond team sports, Robert has also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to personal performance and endurance, having completed seven marathons—including four New York City Marathons, as well as Chicago, Philadelphia, and the Marine Corps Marathon. He is also an avid golfer and skier.
Robert has spent the majority of his life on fields, courts, and sidelines as an athlete, coach, and parent. Through these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding of athlete development at every stage. As the father of three collegiate athletes, Robert is well-versed in the college recruitment landscape and has helped many athletes successfully pursue their goal of competing at the next level. Drawing on his clinical training in client-centered therapy and a cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach, Robert integrates a thoughtful blend of evidence-based modalities into his work. He also incorporates personal anecdotes and real-world experiences to build authentic connection, creating a relatable and supportive environment that allows clients to engage fully in the growth process.
Speciality Sports: Lacrosse, Wrestling, Golf and Downhill Skiing
Follow :
