Senior Sophia Denison (’19), daughter of Kathy Denison, Amy Denison, and Rod Denison, has verbally committed to play Soccer and continue her education at Saint Louis University next school year.

What led you to your decision to attend your chosen college?
Saint Louis satisfied my interests on many levels. I loved the city-campus feel, the
academic reputation, and the competitive soccer program at the school. SLU has a great student environment and a lot of ways to get involved.

What other schools did you consider?
I considered a wide range of schools including the University of Cincinnati, University of
Iowa, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Pennsylvania. After visiting and
comparing all of these schools, however, Saint Louis was always at the top of my list.

Do you know what you want to study?
I’m considering studying a major related to the sports-medicine field or environmental
science. After this, I hope to pursue a graduate degree of some sort.

When did this school come into the picture?
Saint Louis came into my list of schools in December 2016, during my sophomore year.

Have you visited the school? If so, when? How did it go?
Yes, I have visited the school twice. The first time was in April of 2017. During this, I
met with the coaches, watched a practice, and had the opportunity to talk with the current
players at Saint Louis. I felt at home right away, especially after meeting with the team.

Did anyone help you through the recruiting process? What kind of help did they provide?
My club soccer coach helped me through the recruiting process. He sent me information
from interested schools after games and showcases. My family helped me with the final
steps of my recruiting process when I was narrowing down the schools. However, a lot
of the process was my responsibility. Keeping up with phone calls, emails, and
scheduling visits occupied a lot of my time throughout the process.

What are your strengths?
I believe that my ability to set personal goals for myself has got me to where I am today. My
determination to satisfy myself and my peers have allowed me to gain leadership skills that help
me in both the athletic and academic atmosphere. By acquiring these skills, I can teach others
that anything is possible with a plan and a positive mindset.

Coach Brigit Reder says: “Sophia exemplifies the qualities and characteristics we ask for from every member of this program. She is a natural born leader, with an incredible amount of technical ability, tactical vision, work rate, and an ever-growing knowledge of the game. She is a natural leader of her peers, respected and yet a heart of pure humility. An outstanding individual on the field, in the classroom, in the community, and with her peers, with an incredibly successful career ahead of her at St. Louis University.

Congrats Sophia! #WestPride