Sophia Loden

My name is Sophia Loden, of Mascoutah, IL, and I will graduate with the class of 2023.  From an early age, sports have been important to me.  My parents have always encouraged me to play multiple sports, but basketball was always my favorite.  In junior high, while playing rec league soccer or school volleyball, I would always ask my parents to sign me up for basketball training sessions.  During my freshman year of high school, while playing varsity golf and soccer, I would make a point to go to my basketball trainer several times a week. 

I have played club basketball in the spring/summer sessions from 7th grade to the present, and feel that experience, along with junior high and high school teams, has made me a more complete player.  Due to my height, I was forced to play in the post more for my high school team, but on my club team, I play more of a wing, which I prefer.  I currently play for the Missouri Phenom 17u St. Louis team.

During my freshman year, I was a starter on the varsity team.  I was named as an Honorable Mention Player on both the Conference Team and the All-Area team by one of the local newspapers.  I was awarded Offensive MVP and Top Rebounder for the team by my coaches.

I would like to play basketball at the collegiate level.  I’m looking for the right fit, for both academics and athletics.  I would like to be coached by a staff that legitimately cares about me as a person, that will encourage academic growth, as well as athletic growth, and that will help me succeed in my goals of graduating from college, and beginning a professional career in my chosen major.  From a team perspective, I want to play with a team that wants to win.  Putting in extra work to get better should be the expectation, not the exception.  Having teammates that push each other to get better is important to me.