Sophia de Araujo watched her friends enjoyed playing on the soccer team, so she decided she wanted to get in on the fun herself.

De Araujo, who also ran cross country, joined the soccer team her freshman year and immediately loved the group’s camaraderie and the friendships she quickly made.

“It’s been really fun, and we have a good team,” de Araujo said.

As a freshman, she was part of the team that finished with a 15-2-1 record and reached the second round of the NCISAA playoffs.

And during her sophomore year, the Chargers once again reached the playoffs.

De Araujo was all set for another fantastic season during her junior year, but the season was cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a senior, de Araujo is focused on helping the younger players acclimate to varsity soccer.

“It was kind of sad losing last season because it was my junior year. I had just gotten off of travel season, and we were expecting a really good year,” de Araujo said. “We just try to encourage the younger girls to keep their heads up.”

De Araujo is also an avid horseback rider. She started riding horses when she was three years old, and she has been doing it ever since.

Outside of athletics, de Araujo also works two jobs. And while it is difficult for anyone to juggle athletics, academics, and work, de Araujo said she has managed to find a balance.

“It was hard during my sophomore year, but now it’s considerably easier. It’s just balancing study, work time, and all that other stuff,” de Araujo said.

De Araujo credited her teammates and coaches for helping her stay consistent on and off the field. And her teammates know de Araujo is someone they can always count on to help the Chargers thrive.

After high school, de Araujo plans on going to High Point University to major in biology.