IBSports Volleyball Magazine December 2025

“I In order to be successful, it’s never going to be handed to you—you’ve got to work your butt off.” That’s the kind of line that sounds good on a locker room wall, but for Sophie Scott, it’s not a slogan. It’s life. The Cal volleyball standout has battled more injuries than most athletes will see in a lifetime, and yet, she’s still standing—taller, tougher, and more thankful than ever to be back on the court. Her journey is part comeback story, part love letter to the sport that shaped her, and part masterclass in finding gratitude when everything hurts. “Those injuries were really, really rough,” Sophie says with the quiet conviction of someone who’s been through the worst and found her way back. “But I think I’ve gained such…

Over the past few years, I’ve had some tough medical battles to face. I’ve undergone four surgeries, consumed countless medications, and dealt with the emotional struggles of depression, anxiety, and memory loss. It’s been a difficult journey, but now, thanks to another chance God gave me, I’m working hard to pick myself back up and rebuild my team’s culture. With my team captains, I’ve developed a student-athlete leadership program designed to enhance our program’s culture. We’ve made every effort to make this program the best. Even before I was back on my feet (which was just a few weeks after my last surgery), my captains showed up at my door, and together, we worked on incorporating John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” videos and a variety of topics. We believe in…