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By Christina Winnegar
On and off the court, Sophia is a perfect role model for young players to look up to. Already leaving her mark at Notre Dame Academy, soon she is set to carry on her legacy to Yale University. With so many accomplishments as well as pressure at a young age, Sophia makes sure to stay grounded. Spending her time volunteering at animal shelters as well as Redwood Rehab in Kentucky, she makes sure to give back, wanting to be connected to her community. Today we get to explore what inspired Sophia to pursue her commitment to basketball as well as how she plans to make her mark at her next stop in her career.
You started playing basketball at six, alongside your dad and brother. How has that family connection influenced the way you approach the game today?
As a family, basketball has always brought us closer together. Whether it has been traveling to games or discussing strategy before and after games, basketball is something we have always shared together. I also think growing up in Kentucky where there is such a strong culture for basketball, really fostered my family’s passion for the game.
We talked about you traveling a lot with your dad for basketball. Is there a favorite place you’ve visited or a special memory you’ve shared with him on these trips?
One of my favorite memories in my career is when my dad and I traveled to Pittsburgh, PA. We stayed at this really old looking hotel and had so much fun walking around the city. On our last night of the trip we went to a Brazilian Steakhouse called Fogo De Chao and had so much fun trying all the different dishes!
You’ve been killing it at Notre Dame Academy and now you’re heading to Yale! What’s something about your basketball journey that people might not know, but that’s been a game-changer for you?
Growing up with an older brother who is two years older than me and is 7 feet tall, was a blessing. We would always play basketball against each other and workout together. We are both very competitive so he would never let me win, so I would always have to push myself to work harder and find ways to beat him.
Beyond basketball, you’ve also played soccer and softball. How do those sports influence your basketball skills, and when did you know basketball was the one you wanted to fully commit to?
Playing basketball fully committed was never really a question for me. While I loved playing other sports my heart was always set on playing basketball at the highest level. But I also learned a lot from playing these different sports. For example, I started playing soccer as a kindergartener and learned a lot about teamwork even at that age!
Balancing basketball and school is tough, but you’re managing to crush it in both! How do you juggle being a standout athlete and maintaining a 4.1 GPA?
I think one of my keys to success is that I don’t like to procrastinate. When it comes to basketball or school, I am always trying to stay ahead. Whether it is taking more shots in the gym to get ahead of my competition or finishing school projects ahead of the deadlines, I like to stay ahead because I don’t like the feeling of being behind. I enjoy the feeling of being productive and getting things done.
Mental health for student-athletes is such an important topic right now. How do you stay balanced mentally with everything on your plate?
When it comes to my mental health, I try to focus on knowing my mind and body well enough to know when I need a break. I think it is important to set boundaries and recognize the moment, and understand that taking a break or focusing on your mental health makes you stronger in the long run. For example, after my junior year of high school and AAU season, I took a break for 3 weeks before I went back to my routine of working out and playing basketball. It was beneficial for my mental and physical health. After that stretch, I came back feeling mentally stronger and that break made a big difference for me
Speaking of AAU, you played on the UAA circuit and won back-to-back championships, which is huge. What’s been your proudest moment so far?
When my high school team played one of our rivals and we won! On that particular game, I remember coming out really flat, and by halftime I was really disappointed in myself. I sat in the locker room and at that moment decided to turn it around for the second half. While I had zero points in the first half I ended with 17 and made the game-winning shot.
You’ve got some solid NIL deals already with Pliable, Hilltop Boilers, and Ignite Bars. If you could create your dream brand partnership, who would it be with, and what would that collaboration look like?
I am super excited to be working with Ignite and Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup, both of the companies are family-owned businesses that share my values and are supportive of my career goals on and off the court and that means a lot to me. I would love a NIL deal to promote Taylor Swift’s music so I could meet her and share how much I love her music!
Your favorite singer, Taylor Swift is known for associating her albums with “eras”, becoming a huge social media trend. Fans like yourself, participating and describing that they’re in their “___ era.” What era would you say you’re in now in your senior year at Notre Dame?
I’d say I’m in my gym era right now. Since basketball season started I feel like I’m always in a gym shooting, running sprints, or lifting weights.
Outside of basketball, you’ve got a love for animals and volunteer at multiple animal shelters. How has working with animals shaped your perspective on using your platform for good?
I find so much joy in working with animals. I have found that the animals at the shelter are especially loving and forgiving because of what they have been through. Feeling the love from the animals makes me want to use my platform to try to get those animals a home.
Aside from volunteering at multiple animal shelters, you also volunteer at Redwood Rehabilitation. Volunteering somewhere like Redwood Rehabilitation where they’re providing children and adults, with multiple and severe disabilities, educational, therapeutic, and vocational services, you see a lot of struggles those seeking their services face. Can you share a moment during your volunteering that touched you or changed your perspective?
Every time I walked into the classroom that I was assigned to, the kids were so excited to see me; they had the biggest smiles on their faces. Seeing their emotions really touched me because while a lot of the kids couldn’t walk or talk, I could very much see the excitement and emotion on their faces.
As a top player in Kentucky, you’re definitely a role model. What advice would you give to younger players who look up to you?
My advice to young athletes is to remember that you are going to face adversity in your career at some point, whether it is an injury or not making a team, or something different, your mindset has to be the same, learn from the adversity and keep pushing yourself because the outcome is even more special when you have faced adversity to get there.
You’ve definitely left your mark at Notre Dame with all of your achievements on and off the court so far. How do you hope to leave your mark in your future at Yale, both as an athlete and as a student?
When I think about my career, I have always wanted to be a good teammate. Basketball is a team sport so for me it will be the bonds and memories with my teammates that I will remember the most. I also want to give back to local communities and support young girls who want to play sports.
Thank you for giving us an insight into your journey so far Sophia. It was a pleasure talking to such an inspiration for young players everywhere. We wish you the best of luck on your next chapter at Yale, as well as your dream collaboration with Taylor.