On Nov. 10, senior Sophie McCarthy signed the papers to officially commit to the University of Connecticut (UConn) Women’s Soccer. McCarthy, a star midfielder for Walpole’s girls’ varsity soccer team, is pleased to announce her decision to continue her soccer career at UConn where she would play division I soccer for the next four years. 

UConn played in the American Athletic Conference and placed seventh in the division with a record of 6-8-3 in their 2019 season. In addition to their impressive soccer statistics, UConn excels academically, ranking 23rd in Top Public Schools and 63rd in National Universities.

“I chose UConn really because I fell in love with the campus,” McCarthy said. “It was exactly the environment I was looking for and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

As a center midfielder, McCarthy partakes in both the attacking and defending aspects of the game. Playing in the middle of the field allows her to see all angles of the game for the duration of each match. Center midfield also requires a sense of control as McMarthy’s position enables her to direct the action of the play around her.

McCarthy, who has always worn number eleven on her jersey throughout the years, reflects back on her earlier soccer days where she picked her signature number.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was seven years old,” McCarthy said. “I’ve worn number eleven for every jersey I’ve had in the past eleven years. It was my dad’s number before mine, which is why I chose it.”

McCarthy not only played on the Walpole girl’s varsity soccer team, but also at the club level. While playing for her club New England Football Club, or NEFC, some of McCarthy’s fondest memories with the team include being three time national champions. 

“Playing alongside my NEFC teammates was probably the most influential moment, soccer-wise, in my life,” McCarthy said. “I feel like I generally learned and improved the most from playing with them.”

McCarthy looks forward to making her debut at UConn in the following year on both the field, and academically. She plans to study mathematics and actuarial science at UConn’s math and science departments. 

“I’m confident that UConn will provide me with outstanding academics in addition to outstanding athletics,” said McCarthy. “I’m looking forward to my experiences in school and on the field.”

Regarding her first year at UConn, McCarthy looks forward to getting to know her team personally in the fall for the first time. While there is still uncertainty about COVID-19 policies in the future, McCarthy hopes to be able to practice and play with her new team in the 2021 season.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the class of ‘21 was delayed in the recruitment process in comparison to prior years. This did little to deter McCarthy from her visions of committing to play college soccer at UConn.

“I can’t wait to keep playing at a higher level with a team that I’m hoping to get to know really well,” McCarthy says. “Playing for UConn has been a goal of mine and I’m excited to be able to achieve it this coming fall.”