Sophie Parsons has been the Mountlake Terrace volleyball team’s starting setter since her freshman season. As such she’s become one of the Hawks’ most indispensable players.
“She’s stepped up to be the leader this team needs,” Mountlake Terrace coach Rene Noeun said. “She tries hard to make sure her sets are perfect for each individual player. She’s smart and she works hard.”
The Herald recently spoke with Parsons about her volleyball career, other interests and her future plans.
Have you enjoyed your role as more of an all-around player this season?
Yeah, I’ve always wanted to hit and play the front row. Ever since my freshman year we always played a 5-1 (offense), but now that we have a second setter, I’m able to hit the ball. Setting is fun. I love setting. But it’s definitely fun to get some kills and get the audience and the team fired up with big hits.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome on the volleyball court?
My sophomore year I (experienced) bad vertigo during a match. I looked up into the lights to set the ball, and I got dizzy. I almost passed out. It was like an out-of-body experience. I had to come out, but it passed, and I was able to go back in.
How did you first get into volleyball?
I had played soccer my whole life, but I tried out for the seventh-grade volleyball team and fell in love with the energy and intensity. Going into my freshman year, I had to make a big decision, but after I went to some open gyms during the summer and played with the varsity (volleyball) team, I knew that I was going to choose volleyball. I still played soccer (with a club team) up until last year.
What are you working on in school?
I’m on my way to getting my honor STEM diploma. Last year I took a biotech class, and I learned about concussions and brains and how sports are affecting our lives. For my senior project I’m designing a modified football helmet with new shock-absorbing materials. There’s a company in Seattle called Vicis that created a new innovative helmet, and I’ve been in touch with them. (The project) fuses my passions for sports and neurology.
What are your plans after graduating?
I’m looking around at colleges. Right now my top choice is Western Washington University, but I’m going to apply to many more. I’m undecided (on a major). I’ve always been interested in the medical field, but at the same time I have a love for liberal arts and music. I’m also into physics and astronomy.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’ve been in the jazz band for four years. I’ve played the bass since I was a sophomore. I love to write, and I love to read. Reading is my escape. I own all of the Nicholas Sparks books. I’m a hopeless romantic. I spend quality time with family and friends. I love the outdoors, enjoy nature and life itself.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
