General | October 29, 2025

PHILADELPHIA - Sonia Johnson has been named the Head of Athletics Mental Health Services for the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics (DRIA) at the University of Pennsylvania, Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation announced today.

"Penn Athletics' investment in the mental health of our student-athletes continues by welcoming Sonia to our team," Wren said. "We regularly receive feedback from our student-athletes on the importance of mental health and are thrilled to fill this position with someone with Sonia's experience. As a former student-athlete and a professional who has worked in Division I athletics at Utah, Sonia will be a valuable addition to our Division as we strive to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes as we compete for Ivy championships and beyond."

"I'm looking forward to supporting Penn student-athletes as they navigate the various demands of University life and grow personally in and out of sport," Johnson said. "It will be an honor to lead athletics mental health services and support DRIA's commitment to ensuring that all student-athletes feel seen, heard, and valued."

"We're thrilled to welcome Sonia Johnson to our DRIA and the Pottruck Center for Student-Athlete Success team," Denise Poole, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Success said. "Her knowledge and experience will elevate Penn Athletics Mental Health Services to the next level. Through educational initiatives, referrals, and direct clinical care, Sonia's leadership will ensure that we are continually supporting and strengthening the mental fitness of our student-athlete community."

Johnson arrives in University City after serving the past four years as the Associate Director and Training Coordinator for Sport Psychology and Wellness in the Athletics Department at the University of Utah. She served as the primary provider for several varsity sports teams from 2021-25 including football, beach volleyball, women's soccer, men's & women's tennis, softball, cross country/track and field and men's basketball. She is committed to supporting athletes in overcoming mental barriers to performance, strengthening resilience, cultivating individual identity, and thriving as well-rounded teammates.

The Woodlands, Texas native began her career in 2020 at the University of Utah College Counseling Center, where she served as an embedded therapist for BIPOC students. Since her transition to college athletics, she continued this focus by leading a support group for athletes of color and representing staff in the U.T.A.H. (United Together Against Hate) student group.

Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from DePaul University in 2018, where she was a four-year letterwinner for the women's soccer program. Following graduation, she earned a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology with a Sport Psychology Concentration from Boston University in 2020. She is currently a licensed clinical mental health counselor in the state of Utah and a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, and brings extensive experience in supporting collegiate athletes with both their mental health and mental performance needs.

Her eclectic therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and athlete autonomy, drawing from sports psychology techniques and trauma-informed care. She operates from a strengths-based, ACT, and mindfulness lens, maintaining cultural humility and meeting individuals where they are. She has received training in internal family systems and integrates parts work into her trauma-informed approach. She has also begun to see the benefit of utilizing parts work when addressing mental performance-specific concerns. Sonia is dedicated to helping student-athletes grow not just in competition but also in developing their identities outside of their sport.