Mental Performance Coaching · Pickleball
Most competitive pickleball players train their game. Almost none train their mind or their partnership.
"Performing under pressure isn't a personality trait. It's a skill — and you can train it."
Amanda Sovik-Johnston, Ph.D.
About
I'm Amanda Sovik-Johnston, Ph.D. — a licensed clinical psychologist, founder of Active & Connected Family Therapy, and a 4.0+ competitive pickleball player.
The Connected Competitor is my coaching practice — focused, forward-moving work on the mental skills that help you play your best when it matters. We work on developing a competitive edge, partner dynamics, and the mindset patterns that show up in our biggest moments.
My clinical background and experience counseling elite athletes shape how I think and how I coach. But this work lives on the court, not in the therapy room. If you or someone you know needs clinical support, our team at A&C is there for that.
Coaching is distinct from psychotherapy. For clinical mental health services, visit Active & Connected Family Therapy.
What I Offer
Performance coaching informed by sport psychology principles — for serious recreational and competitive players who know that the mental game is just as important as the physical one.
One-on-one mental performance work for the player who's ready to get out of their own way.
Learn More →For couples who love each other, love pickleball, and want to capitalize on the potential of playing together.
Learn More →Clinically grounded, court-tested talks for clubs, tournaments, and organizations.
Learn More →70+ clinicians across Virginia and North Carolina. When the work needs to go deeper.
Visit the Practice →A conversational AI mental performance coach built for competitive pickleball players. Get notified when it launches.
Latest from The Playbook
The Playbook
Field notes from the court and the therapy room. Real talk on the mental game — no fluff.
Amanda on the PickleGals Podcast — the mental game, competitive identity, and what psychology really teaches us about pickleball.
Read The Playbook →