Female athlete in sports attire lunging to reach a volleyball on an indoor court.

From Competitive Athlete to Mental Resilience Specialist

My Journey Through Competitive Athletics

I began gymnastics at age four and trained daily in highly competitive environments.

By middle school and high school, volleyball and softball became central to my life — and success followed.

My athletic highlights include:

  • 6-time State Champion

  • 3-time National Qualifier

  • Junior Olympian

  • Full-Ride Division 1 Athlete

But despite success, at times I struggled internally.

Mental resilience support for athletes was limited when I needed it most. I experienced pressure, expectations, and emotional challenges without the tools to navigate them.

That experience shaped my mission:

To ensure athletes today receive the mental performance support they deserve.

CEO and owner, Sonja, with long straight hair, wearing a zip-up jacket, looking upwards with a slight smile, against a plain white background.

Professional Training & Credentials

Clinical Social Worker (CSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Advanced training in:

  • Sport Psychology & Athletic Counseling

  • Anxiety & Trauma

  • Women's Mental Health

  • Disordered Eating & Body Image

  • Development Across the Lifespan

  • Family Systems

Evidence-based modalities include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • EMDR

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Somatic Psychotherapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Positive Psychology

Athlete Coaching Experience

Over 10 years coaching high-performance athletes across:

  • College athletics

  • Junior high programs

  • Elite club athletics

  • Youth sports teams

This hands-on experience allows me to support athletes with practical tools that translate directly into competition environments.

A woman in a red sports uniform holding a soccer ball above her head on a field near a fence and trees.
Young female volleyball player in a ready position on an outdoor sandy volleyball court.
A female basketball player in a yellow uniform preparing to shoot a free throw during a game.

Data That Tells a Story

Mental performance and resilience support for athletes is correlated with more positive outcomes, including, but not limited to, length of time in sport, emotional well-being, personal confidence, mental stamina, groundedness in identity, and adaptability during transitions.

A person snowboarding down a snowy slope during daytime, wearing a colorful jacket, black pants, a black helmet with goggles, and a backpack. The sky is clear and blue.

Former Client & Competitive Snowboarder

“Before I worked with you, Sonja, I thought physical training was the entire game. Then I faced the next tier of athletes and how wrong I was. Thank you for helping me train the mental and emotional as well. I’d never be doing what I’m doing today if it wasn’t for you.”

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