"Sophia Carbajal is an outstanding basketball player, but an even better person. She is heavily involved in many things at the school, and is truly someone that everyone can look up to. In basketball, she is a leader, an extremely hard worker, and does everything we ask her to do without complaining about anything. Even with all the success she has had, she still wants to get better every day and is never satisfied. 

In three years of her being in the program, it is hard to think of a time she has ever been in a bad mood. She is always smiling and very supportive of everyone in the program." - Dan Beck, Basketball Coach

Student Name

Sophia Carbajal

School

Northridge High School

Grade Level

Junior

Sports

• Volleyball
• Basketball

Positions

• Outside Hitter
• Forward

Stats

• 22 points per game
• 14.5 rebounds per game
• 2.8 assists per game
• 3.8 steals per game

"The achievement that I am most proud of in my sport is breaking the school record for points in a season. This wasn't just an achievement for me, it was a team achievement. It showed what can be done when hard work meets teamwork. It showed me my teammates are the ones who make me great."  

What's one goal you're currently working towards in your sport?

"A goal I am working towards right now is to get my team to the colosseum for the playoffs and making a deep playoff run."  

Describe your worst sports performance. What did you learn from this experience? 

"It was a game against a really good team, and I played out of control. Along with this, I wasn't a very good teammate. I learned that I need to play composed and how I know how to play, not letting a good team get in my head. Being me."  

Who are your role models in your sport or life, and how have they influenced you? 

"My mom is definitely my biggest role model. She has shown me true strength in hard work and resilience in hardship. Time and time again, she shows me how to be a great person and player."  

How do you balance sports with other responsibilities like school or work?

"I make sure that my assignments are completed over time, step-by-step to ensure that each one will be done by the deadline. Breaking it down day-by-day is the true key to balancing the hectic life of a student-athlete." 

What are your career or college plans after you graduate high school? 

"My plan is to get an offer to play basketball at a 4-year university to study business marketing. I will use my degree to become a Marketing Director for a professional sports team. Along with this, I hope to be a real estate developer later in life." 

What advice do you have for younger athletes who want to join your sport?

"Enjoy the time you have with your teammates. Play hard and play with a smile on your face. No sport is fun if you don't like what you're doing. So, always try to have fun and play with a smile on your face." 

Do you have any funny pre-game rituals or superstitions that you stick to?

"I wear an arm band like the one Michael Jordan had. This gets me locked in and ready to play hard."  

If you were to participate in a talent show unrelated to your sport, what would your act be?

"I would play an old song on my violin. I am in the Northridge Chamber Orchestra, and showing off my violin skills would be really fun."