Sophia's chief recruiting period was during her sophomore year, when numerous colleges showed interest. During the college application and admissions process, she had narrowed down her choices to Princeton University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, University of Notre Dame, and Georgetown University, but Princeton had been her dream school since she was a child.
“There were many other options of good colleges offering me a spot, but I did not want to pass up an Ivy League education,” Sophia said. “I committed August of my sophomore year. Coaches began offering me spots prior to that time, but I felt it was too early as I wanted to do overnights at other colleges.”
Sophia said she chose Princeton because she prefers a mid-size school, she finds it stronger than other Ivy League schools in the faculty-student ratio, and there is a lot of cultural diversity. Additionally, the school’s proximity to New York City allows for abundant internship opportunities, the campus is incomparably beautiful, and she felt a strong connection with the soccer coaches and players. Sophia also believes Princeton is the most well balanced Ivy League school, as academics take priority over athletics.
Sophia plans to study economics and will be a midfielder on the Princeton Tigers women’s soccer team. Her long-time coach, Mr. Brandon Silva, said Sophia was truly the heart and soul of her team for all four years she played in an IHA soccer jersey. “Sophia exudes leadership, tenacity, class, and a tremendous work ethic,” Coach Silva said. “She is an incredible student as well. She has represented IHA, her family, and coaches with the highest level of professionalism and we are all looking forward to watching her at Princeton.”
Although she is enthusiastic to work with a new team and coaches, Sophia said she will miss Coach Silva, who taught her how to enjoy playing well and working as a team. “He was not obsessed with winning, but instead instilled a sense of pride in me and my teammates,” she said. “He taught me that it’s not about my performance, but how I conduct myself and the work ethic I demonstrate through the energy I possess on the field. Coach treated everybody fairly and was dedicated to making everyone not just a better player, but a better person in life.”
At this year’s Baccalaureate Mass & Awards Ceremony, Sophia was honored with the IHA Scholar Athlete Award for her “outstanding academic and athletic achievement and a high level of character and sportsmanship.” Sophia said she will miss many things about Immaculate Heart, especially the small classes, the special bond she has made with classmates, locker break, and her kilt. She feels IHA has prepared her for college in more ways than one: not only how to set goals and chase them, but also how to become a self-motivated learner.
“IHA taught me time management. In college, playing sports and focusing on academics can be challenging,” she reflected. “IHA also taught me how to study, take notes, pay attention to detail, and, most importantly, be independent and confident.”