Star Student Athlete: Ukrainian Finds Peace On Philly Tennis Courts

PHILADELPHIA — 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 Kim Shimer who nominated Sofiia Berestetska, 11th grade of Philadelphia.

Star student athlete’s name

Sofiia Berestetska

Star student athlete’s home state

PA

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Philadelphia

How do you know the star student athlete?

She is a student at the school where I work.

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Tennis

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

Sofiia emigrated here from Ukraine during the summer of 2022. She barely spoke English and had no friendships to rely on, but she was welcomed to our school (Merion Mercy Academy) where she joined the tennis team, and ultimately won the state doubles title with classmate Ashley Gomes.

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

She is the picture of perseverance and dedication both to her sport and to acclimating herself to her new home. She is also extremely grateful to everyone who has helped her along the way.

Keep up the great work, Sofiia!

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