Dr. Steven Ungerleider

1949 - 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Ungerleider, PhD, a renowned sports psychologist, author and film producer who died of pancreatic cancer, on March 18, 2023, at the age of 73. He was a resident of Healdsburg, California.

Born on June 14, 1949, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Ungerleider was a multifaceted individual who made significant contributions to both the fields of sports psychology and film production through his philanthropic endeavors at the Foundation for Global Sports Development. He dedicated his life to understanding the psychological factors that influence athletic performance and was widely recognized for his pioneering work in the area of anti-doping and combatting the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, the importance of fair play and fighting for justice for athletes.

In addition to his work in sports psychology, Ungerleider was also a prolific film producer, who produced several award-winning documentaries on a variety of topics, including sports, culture, and human rights. He was a passionate storyteller and used the medium of film to shed light on important issues to inspire change.
Ungerleider received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon and was a fellow of the Western Psychological Association and was a member and fellow of the American Association of Sports Psychologists. He also received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of sports psychology and was a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Throughout his career, Ungerleider's work touched the lives of countless athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts around the world. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and to pursue their passions with integrity and purpose.
Ungerleider is survived by his loving family, including his partner Joanna Rice, his daughters Shoshana Ungerleider and Ariel Ungerleider Kelley and their husbands Ed and Tim, and his grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jacob. A service for Ungerleider's family and close friends will be held in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to End Well (www.endwellproject.org) or Corazón Healdsburg (www.corazonhealdsburg.org).

A BRCA gene mutation led to his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. In an effort to raise awareness about genetic screening to prevent cancer, he encourages you to ask your doctor or a genetic counselor to see if genetic testing is right for you.