ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sophia Margelos

Windermere Little League pitcher and outfielder Sophia Margelos was a key player for the Junior division this year. Margelos completed her season with a batting average of .431 and an OBP of 1.071. She also pitched 93 innings, struck out 140 and had a WHIP of 1.58.

Tell us about your years as a softball player.
I played baseball since I was 5 years old. And at 9 years old, I switched to softball, because I was playing all boys as I got older. I didn’t enjoy that a lot, so I switched. 

Why softball and baseball? 
My dad played a lot, and I also have an older brother who played. And T-ball sounded fun, so I played it, and then I really liked it so I kept playing. And then softball to me seemed kind of similar, and then I played it, and it was really fun to me. 

What is your favorite memory playing softball? 
When I hit my first home run when I was 12. It felt good, because it was my first one, so it was nice. 

What do you love most about softball? 
I like the competition and how it just keeps me happy. Whenever I feel sad, it calms me, and then the competition is nice, too. It’s a really active sport, and I met most of my friends through softball.

What do you believe softball has taught you on and off the field? 
That team work is the key to success. You can’t accomplish stuff by yourself. You always need someone to help you with it. 

Do you have a favorite drill at practice? 
There’s an outfield drill where you run across the outfield to catch pop-ups at certain points, and then you keep going all the way across. It helps you get fast and stay focused whenever you are catching a fly ball. It helps me determine where the ball goes. 

What do you think makes you a unique player on the softball field?
I’m not afraid to go all out for something to catch the ball. I’m not nervous or scared about playing. I’m not scared of the ball. 

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team? 
I make sure people aren’t in the corner upset at themselves. I make sure they are standing up and cheering for the whole team — and not feeling sorry for themselves because they got out. 

Do you have a favorite professional softball player to watch? 
I like Elizabeth Mason the most, because I knew her personally. She was my coach — and I like the way whenever she is playing on the field, she always keeps trying hard no matter what happens. 

What would you like to study in college?
I kind of like the business area — especially for being an interior design artist. I really enjoy decorating things — especially my room or houses. I find that very fun.

What is your favorite hobby? 
I really enjoy hanging out with my friends. I like to go shopping or swimming or somewhere fun like a themed park. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 
A sketch book so I can draw, a book so I can keep myself entertained and probably a pet just to hang out with. 

What TV series are you watching right now? 
“The Summer I Turned Pretty.” I like that it is relatable, sometimes. 

Who is you favorite superhero? Why? 
I like Thor, because I think his powers are super cool. 

Who is your favorite Disney character? Why?
I like Rapunzel a lot, because when I was a kid, she was my favorite princess. I like that she’s kind of like me in a way … she is super brave. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? 
To fly, because I feel like there’s some things that I can get over on the floor.  

What are three places you would like to visit? Why? 
Maryland, because that’s where my dad’s family is. Paris: I haven’t been there, but it sounds really nice. Hawaii, because I love the tropical island. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why? 
The 1800s or 1900s to see what technology was like before it got super advanced. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 
A dog, because it’d be fun. … I feel like they can be friendly and nice and can help cheer people up.