At Barcelona Sports Academy, we know that achieving excellence in sports requires not only physical training but also mental strength. That's why we are proud to welcome Sònia Pineda Hernández, a renowned expert in sports neuropsychology, as our new mental coach for both tennis and basketball. With over 15 years of experience, Sònia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support our athletes in becoming the best version of themselves, both mentally and physically.
A Career Rooted in Excellence
Sònia's journey as a mental coach is deeply rooted in her extensive academic and professional background. She holds a PhD in Neuropsychology of Sport and High Performance, and her work spans several disciplines, including psychotherapy, teaching, and research. She has been a psychologist and psychotherapist in private practice since 2008, working with athletes at various levels to help them overcome mental blocks, develop emotional resilience, and enhance their performance.
In addition to her private practice, Sònia serves as a professor at several prestigious institutions, such as Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, and CETT-Universitat de Barcelona. She has also taken on leadership roles as a member of the Research and Innovation Group in Sport and Society (GRIES) and the Group of Research in Communication and Health (ComSal) at Universitat Ramon Llull. Her passion for advancing knowledge in the field is reflected in her work as an editor for CPQ Neurology and Psychology Journal, as well as a reviewer for "Physiology & Behavior", one of the top-ranked scientific journals.
A Trusted Partner for Top Athletes
Beyond her academic and clinical work, Sònia has gained significant experience working with some of Spain's top athletes. Since 2022, she has been a psychologist for the Spanish National Teams through Federación Española, providing psychological support to two national teams. Her ability to work with elite players makes her an invaluable resource for athletes aiming to reach new heights in their careers.
Sònia has also contributed her expertise to the Sánchez-Casal Tennis Academy, one of the world's most renowned tennis academies, where she led the Department of Sports Psychology. She has been involved in several national and international conferences, delivering talks on leadership, communication, and team cohesion in sports.
Bringing Mental Toughness to the Next Generation
At Barcelona Sports Academy, Sònia will be working closely with our tennis and basketball players, offering them the mental tools they need to perform under pressure, manage stress, and maintain focus during competition. Her approach is tailored to each individual athlete, helping them set goals, boost confidence, and develop the mental toughness required for success at the highest levels of competition.
We are excited to have Sònia on board as she continues to inspire and guide our athletes on their journey to becoming the next generation of sports champions. Her extensive experience and passion for sports psychology make her an asset not only to our academy but to the broader sports community as well.
Welcome, Sònia!
For more updates on Sònia's work and tips on mental training, stay tuned to our blog and social media channels.