Sarah Hughson, MA, LLPC*
About Sarah
Sarah Hughson is a former professional athlete turned mental performance coach and clinical mental health counselor who is passionate about helping athletes strengthen both their mindset and overall well-being. Drawing from her experiences competing at the collegiate, professional, and international levels, Sarah understands firsthand the pressures athletes face and works to help them develop the mental tools needed to thrive both in sport and in life.
Sarah’s work is deeply informed by her lifelong involvement in athletics and high-performance environments. She was a standout collegiate athlete at Elmira College, where she earned CCM/AHCA First Team All-American honors and was named UCHC Player of the Year during her senior season. She was also recognized as Elmira’s Female Athlete of the Year and nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.
While at Elmira, Sarah was also a dual-sport athlete, competing in both women’s ice hockey and women’s lacrosse, an experience that helped shape her understanding of the unique demands placed on student-athletes balancing multiple sports, academics, and personal development.
Following her collegiate career, Sarah played five seasons of professional ice hockey in the National Women's Hockey League, later known as the Premier Hockey Federation, competing alongside some of the best players in the world. Her professional career deepened her appreciation for the psychological demands of elite sport and the importance of confidence, resilience, and mental preparation in high-pressure environments.
Beyond ice hockey, Sarah has also represented the United States internationally through ball hockey, competing in three World Championships with the United States Women's National Ball Hockey Team, including winning a Gold Medal in 2024. She has also contributed to the sport from the coaching side, leading the USA Women’s Masters (35+) Ball Hockey Team to a Gold Medal at the 2025 World Championships.
Sarah now channels these experiences into her work with athletes. She holds a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sacred Heart University. Most recently, she worked as a counselor at University of Bridgeport, where she supported college students and athletes navigating the pressures of academics, sport, and personal development.
Sarah works with athletes of all ages and across multiple sports, helping them develop mental skills that support both performance and well-being. Her clients range from youth athletes (ages 10–19) navigating early development and competitive pressures, to college athletes, elite performers, and Olympic-level competitors. She also works extensively with youth hockey players through her leadership as a director and coach within a competitive girls’ hockey program, where she supports athletes both on and off the ice.
Through her work, Sarah strives to create a supportive and empowering environment where individuals can explore challenges, strengthen confidence, and develop the mental tools needed to thrive both in competition and in life.
When she’s not working with athletes, Sarah remains deeply connected to the sports community through coaching, mentoring young athletes, and supporting the continued growth of women’s sports.
Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center
Contact Sarah: 1 (361)-655-1217
EMAIL: sarah@quantummhwc.com
*Supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor
Education
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Sacred Heart University
M.A. Sport Psychology - National University
B.S. Business Administration & Marketing - Elmira College
B.S. Psychology University of Maryland Global Campus
Former Student-Athlete – Elmira College (Women’s Ice Hockey & Women’s Lacrosse)
Professional Roles
Mental Performance Coach
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Former Counselor – University of Bridgeport
Director – Girls Youth Hockey Program
Youth & High School Hockey Coach
Former Professional Ice Hockey Player – National Women's Hockey League / Premier Hockey Federation
Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Person-Centered
Treatment Interests
Preteens, Adolescents, Adults, and Couples
ADHD
Anxiety
Asperger’s Syndrome
Depression
Faith Based Counseling
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Military Members & Families
Neurodivergence
OCD