November 16, 2011
Wrapping up Amber Sophus’ time as a Lady Rattler to only her performance on the court doesn’t do justice to her heavy involvement in other campus events throughout her four-year stint at St. Mary’s.
In addition to being a top-notch defensive force for the Rattlers, the 5-foot-9 forward is the SAAC vice-president, director of orientation, part of the St. Mary’s Spirit and Traditions Committee and a member of Student Activities and Transitions Programs – just to name a few.
But the senior from Houston is able to manage her extracurricular activities and her education, all while improving her game. She says it’s all about who she is as a person, player and student.
“I just didn’t want to be that person that just plays basketball,” said Sophus, whose Rattlers (0-2) are preparing for tonight’s matchup at Tarleton State at 6 p.m. in Stephenville, Texas. “I just wanted to be involved; I wanted to know people who weren’t athletes. Being involved in my school is very important to me.”
Her involvement off the court carries over to practices and game days, helping shape her athletic improvement.
“I guess you could say (being involved) makes me more focused. It forces me to do that little bit extra,” Sophus said.
Despite Sophus’ free time without a basketball being filled with all of her extra activities, Sophus is still defensively as intense as ever. And she’s ready for her final season with her teammates to be one to be remembered.
“I’m excited for what our team is going to do this year,” Sophus says. “Even though we’ve only played two (exhibition games), I get more confidence in my team every time.”
Sophus’ first two years on the Lady Rattler basketball team brought two consecutive Heartland Conference Championships, playing a key role as she played in every single game her freshman year and started nearly all games her sophomore year.
Last season, Sophus owned up to her defensive reputation, making 41 steals and pulling down 94 rebounds. Sophus’ skills on the court and well-rounded persona leave her with high hopes for herself and the rest of the Lady Rattlers this season.
“I have a lot of confidence in my team right now,” she said. “It’s like ‘Dang, we’re pretty good.'”