East County Athlete of the Week: 09.06.18

The Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Sophie Fedder is an outside hitter on the volleyball team. She had 11 kills and two aces in the Thunder's 3-0 home win against The Imagine School of North Port on Aug. 30. 

When did you start playing volleyball?

When I was 10. I started playing in different clubs, and I was offered a spot on Suncoast Volleyball's top team. 

What is the appeal to you?

I love getting kills. It's a good feeling. It's also fun being on a team and playing in big tournaments. It's a good experience.

What is your best skill?

Hitting, for sure. That's always been the case. 

What is your favorite memory?

I played for the Orlando-Tampa Volleyball Association club team in eighth grade, on the top team. We won six tournaments in a row, including the Big South tournament (170 teams) in Atlanta. 

What is your biggest challenge?

The mental side of the game. Believing in yourself and your teammates. Being mentally where your feet are. As I get older and my brain develops, I get better at it.

What is your favorite food?

Sushi, especially from JPAN. 

What is your favorite subject?

Last year it was honors biology. I'm not sure what it is this year yet. I'm enjoying computer science so far. 

What is your dream vacation?

Going to Aruba, that would be fun. I'm a beach person, so it would have to be somewhere like that.

What is your biggest fear?

Lightning. It terrifies me. Thunder doesn't bother me, but lightning just comes out of nowhere. 

What is the best advice you have received?

No matter what has happened, be it bad grades or a bad game or anything, you have to forget about it. You know you can do better. Have faith in yourself. That comes from my dad (Darrin Fedder). 

Finish this sentence: "Sophie Fedder is ... "

... A very strong individual. A leader on the team. I'm never satisfied with anything. I always want more success.