Athlete of the Issue: Sophie King '19

1. Do you have aspirations to continue playing sports in college? If so, which sports?

I wish that I could play all of the sports I play now in college, but I am, unfortunately, not good enough or competitive enough to do that. I’m going to try and play club/recreational soccer though.

2. What skills have you learned from softball that you may have not learned otherwise?

Softball is interesting because it’s a team sport, but there is also a lot of individual pressure. By that I mean a simple error done by one person can completely change the game for the entire team. What matters though is the response of the team when once an individual messes up. That response can either make or break a team and it really teaches you about what it means to truly be a team player.

3. Describe your greatest sports “achievement” (from this season or in general) and how it felt.

My greatest achievement was being a part of the soccer team for the 4 years that it grew from the developmental league, to the B division, to the A division. This was such an amazing thing to be a part of and I feel so proud to have helped the team get to where it is.

4. Describe your “lowest” athletic moment (from this season or in general) and how you overcame it.

The worst thing to experience on a team is letting your teammates down. For me, this meant not being able to play or show up for my teammates. I’ve dealt with injuries on both of my ankles for the past few years that have inhibited me from player all three sports I play, but with the support of my teammates and some help from doctors, I was able to overcome my injuries and get to a healthier place.

5. What inspired you to start playing soccer/basketball/softball and what has kept you committed to the sport over the years?

My mom was a huge athlete all of her life so she got me and my siblings into every sport she could from a young age. She definitely has inspired me to play all three sports by showing me how important it is for girls to play sports and have the support of teams throughout their lives.

6. How have you learned to balance school and being a three season athlete? Any advice for NEST’s Student Athletes?

I actually find it easier to stay focused on school work when I’m in season. If I were to just go home after school everyday, I would spend time on my phone or watching TV and continue to prolong any work. When I come home from a practice or a game, I know that it’s crunch time and I need to get to work.

7. What’s your favorite post-practice snack?

For some reason, I always crave my mom’s mushroom risotto after I’ve played sports.

8. What is the coolest or farthest place you have traveled to for a competition?

I traveled to Germany and Amsterdam with my club soccer team Summer of 2017.

9. What is your favorite sport to play? Why?

Soccer is my favorite sport because I’ve played it for the longest time, and I’m better at it than the other two sports I play. It’s also super high intensity and always has you on your toes.

10. Any suggestions for a first-time soccer/basketball/softball player?

Practice might not make perfect, but it does make you better than when you began. It’s nearly impossible to be worse than you started with sports, so why not do something that you’ll get better at.