Sophia Amaya-Gutierrez '26 Recruiting Profile

I am a 2008 Senior in High School, who plays hockey year round.  I predominantly play center, however, I am able to play wing and defense. At this time, I would like to pursue a degree in Athletic Training, that would lead to a career path working with either a collegiate or professional sports team. Athletically, I aspire to play the highest level of competition available to me at the collegiate level, play for the National Team, and one day play for a Women's Professional Team. Why am I a good player? I would consider myself the ultimate team player - I am 100% a "we" player on the ice/field. When in tough games, I know how to maintain a positive attitude and build my teammates up; I can translate my energy into passion on the ice.  My strengths are my speed, quick hands, versatility, and intensity.  I am often called a grinder; I am not afraid to get into the boards.  I have been told by many coaches that I have good vision on the ice, which is supported by leading my team in assists so far this season.  I believe this is an example of my deep passion for the game and playing for team success, rather than just individual success. 

As a player, I firmly believe in a Team mentality.  In 2023 and 2024, I helped lead my Team to the USA Hockey National Championship. Going to California with my Team in 2023 was one of the most amazing experiences I have had as an athlete.  As Captain of my Team in 2023, I worked very hard to create an atmosphere that fostered a "we" attitude on the ice.  I believe this helped us to be so successful that season.  In 2024, I would return to Nationals with my Club Team to finish second in the nation.  I believe that my strong penalty kill strength helped us come out second at States, as well as at Nationals.  This past season, I decided to try a brand new team in my home town, the Plattsburgh Junior Cardinals,  to challenge myself playing with a new group of girls and competing against some new US teams, showcases, and Canadian teams. For the third year in a row, I had the chance to compete at the 2025 USA Hockey Nationals with my new team and, more importantly, start building a female hockey program in my hometown. 

I believe that my passion for play, my team mindset, versatility, and positive/uplifting attitude make me a great asset to a team.  I am looking to join an organization with an intense, yet team-centered, philosophy.

Here are some words my varsity coach shared recently about my play that go beyond the scoreboard: 

She is an absolute difference maker on the forecheck especially as the first forward in F1. Her backchecking is excellent. She is one of the more vocal players on the team which we are always looking for.  A good example was her assist on Adyson’s game tying goal against Potsdam [Regional Game Win 2025]. Her forecheck and pursuit of the puck led to that goal. One of the news clips captured it well. 

And of course her positive attitude which is likely the first thing college coaches will want to hear.