Star Student Athlete: Bay Shore's Sophia Shines Off The Court, Too

BAY SHORE, NY —We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Jamie Soldinger who nominated Sophia of Bay Shore.

Jamie, Sophia's coach, said that she is the "player that coaches dream of coaching", for multiple reasons.

Read on to learn more about Sophia:

Star student athlete’s name

Sophia

Star student athlete’s home state

New York

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Bay Shore

How do you know the star student athlete?

I am their coach.

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Volleyball and Lacrosse

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

I have had the pleasure of coaching Sophia DeBonis on the girls’ varsity volleyball team the past three years. Sophia is the player that coaches dream of coaching; she is beyond dedicated, hardworking, motivated and committed. When Sophia steps on the court, you know she will be playing with 100 percent effort and heart; there is never a moment of question as to if she is giving it her all. Sophia has led her team to numerous wins over her five-year career on varsity. She has been the only setter on the court for nearly all sets that she has played for Bay Shore; she has dominated this role with ease and has been a key contributor to the program’s success.

Her ability to lead her teammates to success has only grown through the years. The athletes on the court respect her knowledge of the game and look to her for support through difficult sets. Sophia’s volleyball I.Q. has grown tremendously throughout the years; she can see the court unlike many other athletes her age and find the open spots to score for her team.

Working with Sophia each year, it is clear that she continues to grow into an amazing volleyball player and young lady. Her accomplishments include: 3x team Captain, 3x Team MVP, League Rookie of the Year, League Player of the Year, 3x All-County, 3x All Tournament Team, 3x Elite Eight (Top Eight Players in Suffolk County), All State, First Team All Long Island.

Sophia is also an active member of her community. She is extremely involved in Athletes Helping Athletes and National Junior Honor Society. She is consistently participating in community service and volunteering her time to help others. She has been a key participant in Bay Shore's Dig Pink match and raising money for breast cancer research for the last six years that she has been involved in the program. One major piece of Athletes Helping Athletes is heading to Bay Shore Middle School to share your stories with the younger age groups; Sophia has been sharing her story for the last three years and been an active role model for young athletes.

Even with all of these accomplishments at a young age, Sophia is one of the most humble student athletes I have had the opportunity to work with; her main focus has always been the team’s success and what she can do to help impact that success. She is also working to obtain an International Baccalaureate diploma and is number 25 in her graduating class. Her dedication and work ethic stems far beyond the court and helps her succeed in the classroom as well.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Sophia DeBonis is an athlete that will be spoken about for years to come in the Suffolk County Volleyball Community; she is the epitome of a hardworking, dedicated, humble student athlete.

Keep up the great work, Sophia DeBonis Senior!

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