Senior soccer player Sofia Sardeira has been working hard on and off the field this fall, and her efforts have earned her the accomplishment of September’s Athlete of the Month! 

Sardeira has played soccer for an impressive 14 years, yet her position has moved frequently depending on the year, coach, and level. Sardeira adds, “I’ve always been more of an attack, but then this year I’ve played more striker and midfield more than anything else.” Her competitive spirit and hard work ethic have paid off: Sofia has scored 11 goals and had 6 assists this fall season!

Outside of school, Sardeira plays for STA soccer club in Morristown. Here, she enjoys refining her skills and creating bonds with her teammates that she has known for ten to eleven years.

Sardeira’s work ethic continues past the confines of the soccer field. Sardeira explains how she helps her school community by volunteering as a tutor for WMC’s peer tutoring program. Sofia’s love for science is illustrated through her involvement with Central’s Green Team, Science Academy, and Science National Honor Society. Sardeira is also a part of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.  

This year, Sardeira adds that the team philosophy has been based on a component that has led them to success: being more fit than the other teams. A phrase Sardeira says drives the team to success to work hard in the off-season is, “The first half is technical, the second half is fitness.” Sardeira explains, “We practiced three days a week all summer to make sure we were in shape and ready for the season.” 

Those hot summer mornings are not for the faint of heart, but Sardeira says it was all worth it when WMC played their Sparta away game. “We scored five minutes before halftime to tie, and then we scored two more in the second half. It showed how we just kept persevering.” Sardeira says. This Central victory was led by Sardeira, who scored two goals against Sparta!

Sardeira says she deals with tougher teams by having confidence in herself and her teammates. “I know how to play my game, we’ve been practicing, and I have a lot of faith in the team and our teammates. So I feel like it’s just knowing that what you’re doing…it’s gonna work.” Sardeira adds, “Especially if you know you’re gonna go against someone who’s technically better than you, you just have to go in with mindset like you can do your best, and if you make a mistake, you have 10 other girls on the field who are going to support you.” 

The soccer team always has a tight-knit dynamic thanks to countless hours on the field and team bonding activities. Sardeira explains that she has had two specific role models in past years.

“I really  look up to Alexa Moreowski from two years ago.” Sardeira adds that she believes Alexa was a strong leader on the team and worked hard in every practice which is what Sardeira strives to be.

Sardeira also adds that another role model from the past was “Kelsey Comerford, she was a really good and positive captain who always worked her butt off and made sure everyone felt included.”

Sardeira’s hard-working attitude in school and soccer is what granted her this award. If Sardeira could advise her freshman self on how to best balance school and athletics, she would tell her, “If you really enjoy what you’re doing, if you love your sport, then you will find time …to make it work.” 

Sofia adds that she utilizes her IRT time and any free class periods to get all of her work done and prevent procrastination. “Don’t save your five assignments due for Friday. Pick at them slowly,” Sardeira says.

“My favorite class that I took all of high school was chemistry with Mr. Coiro,” Sardeira says. Looking ahead to college, she adds, “I want to hopefully double major in biology and biochemistry.” Sardeira does not plan to continue soccer for a university team but she would love to play on a club team at a large school. Congratulations, Sofia, and best of luck in the future!