Texas State Athletics announced the hiring of Emily Sousa as Athletics Mental Health Counselor in March 2025. In her role, Sousa works daily with Bobcat student-athletes across all sports.
"I'm beyond grateful and incredibly excited to step into what truly feels like an amazing opportunity to contribute, learn and grow," Sousa said of her new role with the Texas State Athletics Department. "It's a dynamic team, and I'm ready to give it everything I've got."
From Wimberley, Texas, Sousa is no stranger to the Hill Country, having arrived at TXST from Ellie Mental Health in Austin and previously Driftwood Recovery. She is a Certified Empowerment Coach (iPEC) and holds professional memberships with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and Global Coach Conference (GCC) among others.
"We are thrilled to have Emily join our staff," said Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations and Senior Woman AdministratorÂ
Tracy Shoemake. "Her focus on preemptive education and intentional care will help all of our student-athletes achieve success."
Sousa will provide clinical and sports counseling using a holistic approach by reflecting on inner experience with skill, curiosity and compassion to help Texas State student-athletes achieve peak performance in their sport, classroom and in life.
Sousa earned her Bachelor of Science in sociology from Plymouth State University and went on to achieve a Master of Arts in holistic mental health counseling at Lesley University.
