“Anytime there’s a whisper that a junior got accepted to Duke on an athletic scholarship, most teachers are incredibly proud and supportive. When you find out it’s Sophia Nunez, you’re like, ‘Of course,'” AP Environmental Science and IB Environmental Systems and Societies teacher Jennifer Ekstein said.
For most students, senior year embodies the point at which young adults must consider what path to take for their life beyond high school. However, for junior Sofia Nunez that decision process came a year sooner than her peers. On Aug. 3, while visiting one of the many college campuses she considered committing to, S. Nunez received an offer to play D1 soccer and continue her education at Duke University class of 2030. Currently enrolled in five weighted classes, she navigates the demands of high school life while pursuing her passion for soccer and preparing for her future pursuing a higher education in medicine.
“I have big aspirations in the educational department when I’m older,” S. Nunez said. “The two main factors that I wanted were just a good academic school where I could grow, and then I also wanted a good soccer school so that I could go on and have bigger opportunities as I’m older.”
- Nunez chose Duke for its academic rigor and its support programs for female athletes. The Collegiate Athlete Premedical Experience (CAPE) program, which assists young women in pursuing careers in medicine while excelling in sports, influenced her decision. She sees this program as an opportunity to align her love for soccer with her academic goals.
“I wanted a school with a good medicine program because I want to be a surgeon when I’m older. I ended up choosing Duke because they have this program called the CAPE program, it’s for female athletes that want to go into medicine,” S. Nunez said.
Part of S. Nunez’s journey to being accepted into Duke has included taking on rigorous classes, a task that would be difficult without the help of her teachers. One teacher who S. Nunez notes being especially helpful in the pursuit of her soccer and academic career is Ekstein, her IB Environmental Systems and Societies teacher.
“Duke is a high-caliber university, and they expect high-caliber work. It makes sense that she’s been in AP classes and involved in sports, which prepares her to be powerful and well-prepared for university,” Ekstein said.
Balancing academics and athletics has presented challenges. S. Nunez acknowledges the pressures of her schedule, which can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when trying to maintain her grades. She has developed strategies to ensure she meets her academic obligations while remaining committed to soccer.
“It’s really hard to balance my academics, a social life and soccer,” S. Nunez said. “They [teachers] all work with me on the side to kind of fix areas that I need to work on, and then obviously the work, they give it to me separately, and I’m able to kind of do it at my own leisure and get help if I need it. So it’s really helpful.”
Sacrifices are a part of her journey as she pursues her passions in education and soccer. S. Nunez is intentional about her time management, prioritizing her studies while also dedicating herself to soccer practice. This focus is crucial as she considers the long-term implications of her educational choices.
“I knew that I obviously wanted to go big with a big academic school in college, and so that’s something that definitely stuck in my mind when I was picking my classes because I am like, if I’m gonna go to this big school for academics, then I’m gonna need to follow up with classes so I can get in, first of all,” S. Nunez said.
S. Nunez’s commitment to soccer has helped develop her understanding of teamwork and leadership, qualities she has learned and can apply both on and off the field. These skills, she recognizes, are vital not only for her success as an athlete but also in her academic life.
“A good coach definitely connects on a personal level with all their players,” S. Nunez said. “I think they have good leadership, obviously, and they know how to earn your respect because respect is not given, obviously.”
This perspective emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within her team, which she views as an essential part to their overall success. S. Nunez understands that fostering a team’s chemistry can lead to better performance during matches. This philosophy was influential in her decision to ultimately commit to Duke University. S. Nunez describes the outstanding team chemistry she recognized in Duke’s women’s soccer team.
“They’re definitely able to have that bond as a team and team chemistry, so that we are able to play well. And then that they’re able to have good components in each position on the field so that they’re able to go on and just win games,” S. Nunez said.
While her admission to Duke represents a major accomplishment, it also represents a significant adjustment for S. Nunez. She is not facing this change alone however, S. Nunez’s sister and freshman Mia Nunez describes how her S. Nunez’s soccer career has required the two to adjust to spending extended periods of time away from each other Despite the challenge distance presents, M. Nunez shares what a rewarding experience it has been to witness her sister achieve such profound accomplishments.
“This has had such a drastic change in me and my sister’s relationship. I think having her gone really reminds me sometimes how much I miss and need her back here,” M. Nunez said. “But she loves what she is doing with Duke so of course I am ecstatic for her. Going to college, going to the world cup, playing with the national team and traveling the world has been something I know she has desired for a while now. I have a deeper understanding and love for my sister.”
S. Nunez highlights the vital role her family plays in her life, particularly in supporting her through her achievements and challenges. Their encouragement not only keeps her motivated but also helps her maintain perspective amidst the pressures of academics and athletics.
“[Family have] always been my number one supporters throughout my journey. Sometimes, I don’t even realize the big things I’m doing, and they’re there to remind me and let me know how proud they are of me. They help keep me grounded and motivated,” S. Nunez said.
