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Dr. Amanda Sovik-Johnston is a dynamic speaker and sought-after podcast guest who brings clinical psychology expertise and firsthand competitive experience to every conversation — practical, evidence-based, and built for the pickleball community.

Who She Is

Dr. Amanda Sovik-Johnston is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25+ years of experience, a dynamic speaker, and a sought-after podcast guest. She is the founder of Active & Connected Family Therapy (a 10-location group practice in Virginia) and the creator of The Connected Competitor. She has worked with Olympians, NCAA record holders, and competitive athletes across a range of sports.

A USMS Masters National Champion in the 200 Butterfly, Amanda discovered pickleball and found an entirely new competitive edge to explore — bringing to every conversation not just clinical expertise, but the lived experience of someone who knows exactly what it feels like to overthink a shot under pressure.

Ph.D., University of Virginia Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dynamic Speaker & Podcast Host USMS Masters National Champion Competitive Pickleball Player 25+ Years Clinical Experience

By the Numbers

30K+
Podcast Downloads
Top 30
Mental Health — Apple Podcasts
3 yrs
Podcast Host

What She Talks About

Amanda speaks on two core topics, both grounded in clinical research and real competitive experience:

🧠 The Mental Game in Competitive Pickleball

Pressure, consistency, and competing with confidence. Why the mental game isn't a luxury — it's the differentiator — and what players can actually do about it.

🤝 Pickleball Partnerships & Doubles Dynamics

Communication, trust, and conflict on the court. What psychology teaches us about why some doubles teams thrive under pressure and others fall apart.

Suggested Questions

  • What does sport psychology actually look like on a pickleball court?
  • Why do so many players who are great in rec play fall apart in tournament settings?
  • What's the most common mental mistake competitive pickleball players make?
  • How do doubles partnerships differ from other sports psychologically — and what breaks them?
  • What's the one mental skill that changes everything for competitive players?
  • You were a USMS national champion swimmer — how did that shape your approach to the mental game?
  • What does "competing with connection" actually mean in practice?

Past Appearances

🎙

Active & Connected Families Podcast — Host

Hosted for 3 years, reaching Top 30 in Mental Health on Apple Podcasts with 30,000+ downloads. Amanda brought the same clinical depth and real-talk style that makes her a standout guest.

🎙

The PickleGals Podcast

Mental game, competitive identity, and what psychology really teaches us about pickleball.

Amanda has been a dynamic guest on multiple podcasts and is comfortable with a wide range of formats, audiences, and interview styles.

Good to Know

🎧

Available for remote recordings via Zoom, Riverside, or your preferred platform.

Flexible on format — comfortable with 20-minute segments through full-length episodes.

📸

High-resolution headshot and full bio available on request.

🎤

Experienced on-air — comfortable with live recording, conversational formats, and interview-style discussions.

Let's make it happen

Ready to Connect?

Reach out directly — Amanda responds to all podcast and media inquiries personally.

Email Amanda →