Del Mar senior Sophia Urias has been a committed volleyball player for several years. Her interest started in sixth grade, when she was fascinated by the U.S. women’s Olympic team and how everyone flowed as a team. She trains six days a week during the season, August to October, and keeps herself in shape off season by walking on a trail alongside her mom or playing tennis. Sophia also enjoys crafting projects like making jewelry for herself and her friends. In the third grade, an English teacher who praised her writing encouraged Sophia to develop her skills and kick-started Sophia’s interest in writing. She decided then that she wanted to be a writer, leading her to her interest in communications and public relations. Her older brother inspires her, she is motivated by his great determination and drive.