SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Sophia Enwright, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Utah Valley. Enwright plays travel soccer in the Girls Academy for Nationals SC.
Enwright plays both center back and outside back for Nationals.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to Utah Valley?
Sophia Enwright: I always thought that it was very cliche when people would say you will just know if a school is “the one”. But, after going through the recruiting process I might be saying that to other people now. Once I met the top-notch coaching staff and players, watched them play, and truly got a sense of the amazing program they are building, I knew that Utah Valley was what I wanted out of a soccer program. The team’s intensity and desire to compete at their highest level was amazing. Off the field, the team seemed close and had a lot of fun together. Also, I was impressed with the university’s facilities and how pretty the environment was.
SW: What was the recruitment process like for you? What did you learn about yourself while going through it?
SE: My recruitment process was not what I expected it to be. I ended up spraining my ankle in late May and was not able to attend any final ID camps or the GA talent event which was disappointing. After getting back to soccer in August, I was busy with calls and a few ID camps before narrowing down schools in the winter. In the winter, a lot of new schools came into the picture and I ultimately verbally committed in the spring. I learned that it is critical to consistently call coaches and most importantly try to be open to new opportunities that may come your way.
SW: How has Nationals prepared you for the next level?
SE: Nationals has prepared me for the next level by exposing me to high-level soccer. Every age group at Nationals truly has a lot of talent. Being able to play with such skilled and determined players has been great in preparing for the next level. Also, it is really special when players who recently graduated come back and train with us as it is more exposure to what soccer is like at the next level. The coaches at nationals have truly made an impact on my development as well. They have not only provided me with technical skills but have also instilled a deep understanding of the game. Their strategic approach to training has challenged me to think critically on the field and adapt to various styles of play. I am also grateful to have had so many opportunities to be seen by scouts through the Nationals platform.
SW: What’s your earliest soccer memory?
SE: My earliest soccer memory is playing at a soccer camp when I was four. It was an awesome experience playing with so many different ages and good coaches from around the world. We were playing a small tournament at the end of the camp and my team won. I remember the English coaches teaching us to raise the roof to the song “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore.
SW: What’s the best piece of advice that you have ever received from a coach?
SE: One of the best pieces of advice I received was to always want the ball. For many players, it is really easy to get in your head about mistakes. But it’s important to know it is ok to make mistakes as long as you are working hard. We train every day to get comfortable with the ball so it is important to want it to make a difference in the game.
SW: What are you interested in studying in college and why?
SE: I am interested in studying something in the sciences. I have always been fascinated by how scientific principles can explain and improve our everyday experiences. Biology, chemistry, and physics provide insights into how the world works at many different levels. I also love how there is so much science behind athletic performance, such as nutrition and biomechanics. I hope to delve deeper into these areas and perhaps pursue a career where I can merge my interest in science with my passion for soccer.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved with?
SE: Outside of soccer, I am involved in varsity track at my high school and various clubs, such as Schools Offer Support, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Make Me a Maple. I am also involved in Love For Our Elders. It is an amazing organization where you hand-make and mail letters of love to elders all around the world.
SW: What are your favorite pair of soccer cleats that you have ever worn?
SE: My favorite pair of soccer cleats is the Nike Tiempos. I have worn this kind of cleat for years and they always feel great. I have so many memories of wearing them at various soccer events. Also, they have never given me blisters which is always a plus.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shout out to for helping you in your soccer career or in the classroom?
SE: I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and making sacrifices for my development on the field and in the classroom. I also want to express my gratitude to all my coaches at Nationals (Tino, Luke, Jeremy, and David), as well as Aaron Bird and the NLT team, for pushing me to grow at a high level for so many years. Additionally, I would like to thank Coach Chris Lemay and the amazing coaching staff at UVU for giving me the opportunity to continue my athletic and academic career at UVU.
