Sophie Thompson '20 Recruiting Profile

My love for basketball began in the fourth grade and grows each time I step on the court. I've learned about the importance of hard work,  communication, and being ready for the ups and downs of competition. This love for the game has given me the opportunity to flourish as a student-athlete. 

Being the only freshman to make the varsity team, I learned quickly that I would have to work really hard to compete at a higher level. My older teammates pushed me and helped me become a better player. I went from swing to starter to captain by the start of my junior year.  Leadership, like the game of basketball, is about listening, learning and helping others progress, individually and collectively.  Play tough, play strong, play hard - that goes without saying - the key is getting people to play well together and keeping everyone involved.  

When it comes to game time, I take pride in my defensive mindset and ability to force contested shots. Offensively, I work to break down the defense and get a great look for myself or a teammate.  Shot ready means being a threat from the perimeter and keeping my defender on her heels, whether burying a three or driving the lane. But what I love best about basketball is that there's always something I can be doing better or someone I can learn from.

I look forward to playing basketball in college for many reasons but mostly because the game, my coaches and team will teach me things that will help me succeed beyond the degree.