Dr. Derek Sokoloff

Biography

Derek Sokoloff joined Duke Athletics in 2025 and serves as an Assistant Director of Mental Health & Performance. Sokoloff provides direct clinical services and performance psychology support to Duke student-athletes and collaborates closely with sport programs, athletic medicine and campus partners to promote mental health and well-being. He joined the department after completing his psychology internship at Duke Counseling and Psychological Services and Athletics, where he served both the general student population and student-athletes. Sokoloff holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in sport psychology from the University of North Texas, where he also served as a sport psychology consultant for university and local athletic programs. His experience includes performance and clinical support across collegiate, youth and professional athletics, including roles with Texas Woman's University and the Center for Sport Psychology and Performance Excellence. He has taught undergraduate courses in psychology and published research on motivational climate and teamwork behaviors in collegiate athletes. Sokoloff is a licensed psychologist in the state of North Carolina. He also holds master's degrees in counseling and business administration and has a background in athletic academic support, having previously worked with football programs at Syracuse and the University of New Mexico.