From the moment Sophia stepped onto the campus of CHCA for a shadow visit, something clicked. A freshman with a lifelong love for golf, she had spent her early years at Lakota but felt drawn to a new adventure as she began high school. Ironically, it wasn't golf that influenced her decision to come to CHCA—it was everything else.

“I loved Lakota, but I wanted something different for high school,” Sophia shares. “When I shadowed at CHCA, I could just tell that this was the place for me. It was the community, the welcoming environment, and the opportunities I saw here that made my decision easy.”

For Sophia, the experience of shadowing a student at CHCA was transformative. She could see firsthand how the school’s environment was shaped by a genuine sense of community. The teachers, the classmates, and the vibrant atmosphere made her feel at home. “I was looking at three other schools, but this one was by far the best choice,” she adds. “I knew this was where I wanted to be.”

An Impressive First Season on the Course

Coach Tim Frazer shared his admiration for Sophia's incredible season, highlighting her leadership on and off the course. Not only did she lead the CHCA girls' golf team to success as a freshman, but her postseason achievements were remarkable: MVC medalist, District champion, and ultimately, a State Runner-Up finish. "Sophia did this while also competing as a high-level swimmer," Coach Frazer noted, underscoring her commitment as a two-sport athlete. Joining a team composed mostly of upperclassmen was intimidating at first, but Sophia found herself warmly welcomed by her older teammates.

“It was obviously nerve-wracking, especially since I was the only freshman playing with mostly juniors and seniors,” Sophia admits. “But after the first couple of matches, I felt like I fit in pretty well. Everyone was really supportive.”

Throughout the season, Sophia experienced highs and lows, as any athlete does. “There were a lot of ups and downs, but I typically start playing my best at the end of the season,” she explains. One of her most memorable moments came at the district tournament, where she managed an incredible bogey on the final hole to secure the medalist position. “I had no idea where I stood on the leaderboard, but when my coaches congratulated me, I realized I had won. It was a great feeling,” she recalls with a smile.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Sophia's success extends beyond the golf course. The adjustment to high school life has been marked by a newfound sense of independence, one that CHCA's schedule helps foster. “The biggest difference from my old school is the schedule,” Sophia says. “I love how much free time we have and how it's all up to me. I have to manage my time, balance my classes, and stay on top of my responsibilities. It’s made me feel more independent.”

With the help of CHCA's supportive environment, Sophia has found it manageable to balance her academics, golf, and even swimming. “The school is very supportive of student-athletes,” she says. “They always check in to make sure we’re comfortable and managing our time well, and that makes a big difference.”

Setting Goals and Embracing the Future

With her achievements in both golf and swimming, Sophia has set a high bar for herself and her team. Coach Frazer and the CHCA community are excited to see her upcoming swim season and look forward to four more years of her leadership and dedication. Her dream is to one day attend Stanford University, and she hopes her time at CHCA will prepare her for that next level. “It might be a big goal, but I’d love to get a scholarship to play golf there,” she says.

In the meantime, she’s embracing everything CHCA has to offer—both in the classroom and on the golf course. “I’ve always been told to branch out and try new things, and that’s what I plan to keep doing,” she shares. Whether it’s golf, swimming, or simply building relationships with her peers, Sophia is making the most of every opportunity.

When asked what advice she would give to incoming freshmen, Sophia doesn’t hesitate: “Join a sport or an extracurricular. Even if you aren’t necessarily great at it, it’s such a great way to meet new people and feel like part of the community. That’s what made CHCA feel like home for me.”

With a bright future ahead, Sophia is excited to see what else her journey at CHCA will bring. And for now, she’s happy to be exactly where she feels she belongs—challenging herself, growing her talents, and building lifelong connections.