Sophia Austen '27 Recruiting Profile

As I look ahead at my years in high school and college, I’m looking forward to being at a large school with many people, and with a large diversity of majors. Currently, psychiatry is an area that interests me, as well as education. While I know these may change over the next couple of years, I do know that working with people is something that I want to do. Living in Iowa City, I’ve been lucky to grow up and be surrounded in a college town by a wonderful University. This has helped me see that a large university is somewhere that I want to be. I love the activity, the people, the buildings, and being able to go to the University of Iowa sporting events. The energy that the fans bring to all the games is so fun and it’s something that I’d like to be a part of someday. My goal is to be a student athlete at a large school where I can continue to grow my game of volleyball and get a degree. These skills that I gain from both will help me throughout college, and beyond. 

By playing volleyball, and other sports – such as soccer, basketball, and track, I’ve learned that I grow as a person and player from my teammates and coaches. As I look at colleges throughout this recruiting process, I envision myself being an asset for their teams – but also the coaches and possible future teammates helping me become a better player, and person. The coaches that I’ve met so far help bring different elements to my game that help me grow. I look forward to learning more from them, as well as the people on the court with me. 

I have a calm exterior, when there is a fire inside! I’ve already learned that this has helped the stability of my team, while I’ve also been able to be a strong leader on the court with my play. My teammates look to me for confidence, and I love bringing that encouragement and drive to the team. Even though volleyball is my favorite sport, I really enjoy the other sports that I play. I get to learn a different role, as well. It’s taught me that having leaders on the field (or court) who push you, is so important. While volleyball is my strongest sport, other athletics have taught me the importance of leadership to those of all abilities and skill. 

The high school I will attend next year is Iowa City West High. This year in eighth grade I’ve worked hard to maintain A’s throughout the year. With West High being one of the best high schools in the state, I know that my schoolwork and drive for the next four years will be extremely important. I've developed strong study skills and habits that will continue to grow through high school. Iowa City West will help prepare me for my next step, college, as well.