Sophia’s story
If you ask Blizzard alumnus Sophia White, 17, where she sees herself in five years after graduating from college, don’t be put off if she says ”in the sky”. That is literally where she plans to spend most of her days. You see, Sophia is seeking to attain her private pilot’s licence and will be attending the University of Dubuque in Iowa next fall where she plans to major in Flight Operations.
However, Sophia may also be considering opportunities to continue playing soccer at the pro level after her senior year. Sophia earned an athletic scholarship to Dubuque thanks to her elite skills as a midfielder that caught the eye of the women’s soccer team’s coaching staff at the Iowa school. She credits Blizzard head coach Joe Parolini for her development and progression to the NCAA Division 3 program in the United States.
“Joe really helped me with my fitness”, Sophia said in an interview from Philadelphia, where she was competing for the Blizzard 2006 team at the FC Delco Showcase Girls tournament in November. “Lorenzo (Redwood) also helped me take my skill from one level to another. I thought it was the right program for me when I joined the Blizzard at age 13. It really pushes you and teaches you to never give up.”
Sophia credits the many trips facing American universities and club teams as integral in her growth and preparedness for the next step in her playing career.
“My first ever trip was with the older girls,” Sophia recalled. “I remember them being very strict about the schedule and that really showed on the field. If you sleep well, eat well and look after your body, you’re going to perform. That kind of gave me a base of what I should be doing every trip. It’s all just a process and you really have to believe in it.”
Playing up a couple of years and competing against NCAA Division 1 schools tested Sophia but she says she is a better, more well rounded player for it.
“Half the battle is mental,” admitted Sophia. “One thing the Blizzard has shown me is to really push yourself because you’re only making yourself better. The fitness part had an impact on my game so I focused on that and got feedback on my role in the team as a midfielder who could switch the ball. The coach at Dubuque said he could see the hard work I put in because it showed on the field.”
After four years with the Blizzard, Sophia is grateful for all the opportunities she’s been awarded and she offered some words of advice for young girls who are considering a path towards collegiate or professional soccer.
“The Blizzard definitely opens many windows,” said Sophia. “The different types of training methods and tactics you learn are important. Overall, I would stress fitness and mental toughness, which is something you need to succeed. At the end of a long game, when you’re tired, you need that 2-3% to push yourself and that’s what the Blizzard focuses on.”
Besides her major in Flight Operations, Sophia also plans to add a minor in Aviation Management, so her academic studies combined with her athletic schedule will be challenging but she feels she’s going to a program that’s just right for her.
Good luck Sophia as you head off to Iowa in 2024 to start your collegiate career.
