Coupeville Sports

Sophie Sandahl (John Fisken photo)

First off, can we just admit Sophie Sandahl has pretty impeccable taste in movies?

The Coupeville High School freshman soccer player, a recent transfer from Greenville, South Carolina, lists Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Moulin Rougue, School of Rock and The Imitation Game as some of her favorite flicks.

From someone who frittered away 15 years running video stores, let me say — the first three are certifiable classics and the last two are pretty dang good on their own rights.

So, top-notch start for the Whidbey newcomer.

But movies aren’t her only strong point, as Sandahl is already involved with both the Wolf booters and the school’s drama troupe.

“My primary interests would have to be anything that has to do with the fine arts,” Sandahl said. “My favorite classes are English literature and drama.”

On the pitch, she’s a defender, part of a unit that shut down Forks 8-0 in Coupeville’s home opener Saturday.

A veteran of rec soccer, she played for her middle school team in South Carolina and has stayed with the game.

“I’m not quite sure the exact reason why I decided to play,” Sandahl said. “My mom and dad loved the sport (that was a heavy influence), and something about the game seemed … intriguing, and enjoyable.

“Overall though, the exact reason is hard to pinpoint.”

It’s a sport she’s come to love, however.

“I enjoy pretty much all of the aspects of soccer,” Sandahl said. “The team, the games, practices, etc.”

As she progresses in the game, she has a clear idea of where she’d like to go.

“My goals are pretty simple — practice, play hard and don’t give up,” Sandahl said. “My goals for future seasons/games would be to keep playing hard.”

Along with putting in hard work, she wants to keep improving her skills, as well.

“My strengths are thinking while I’m on the field, but I have to admit there are some exceptions,” Sandahl said. “I’m doing really well on defense, and listening to/following directions during the game.

“Some areas that I would need to work on are keeping control of the ball, and communicating with my teammates; sometimes I get a little bit too wrapped up in what’s going on, and forget to make calls and talk to the girls.”

On and off the soccer pitch, Sandahl has always gotten a lot of encouragement from those she is close to, which has been a key factor in her growth as a player and a young woman.

“There’s a lot of people that have had a big impact on me that helped me be the person I am,” she said. “I would definitely say that my three closest friends (Abby, Lexi and Samantha) in South Carolina really impacted who I am.

“Here in Coupeville, I would have to say that my team is making a huge impact as well.”

Read Full Post »