I’m Sofia Chepenik — and I’m here
to help you believe in your power.

I’m a Division I lacrosse player from Jacksonville, Florida, playing at the University of South Florida. My story didn’t start with medals or recruiting headlines—I picked up a stick later than most, spent years feeling behind, and constantly pushed myself to catch up. That struggle became my strength. It shaped my work ethic, my mindset, and my belief that grit beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

What began as frustration at a local clinic turned into a fire that’s never gone out. At the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, I left it all on the field—250 goals, 169 assists, over 300 draw controls—and was honored as a High School All-American, Gait Top 20 All-Star, and Jackie Pitts Award winner. But what I’m most proud of? I showed up with my whole heart, every single time.

From there, I headed to Clemson University with something to prove. I didn’t have a flashy recruitment story—but I finished my freshman season leading all ACC freshmen in points, was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week, earned a spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team, and landed on the ACC Academic Honor Roll. I also became the first female lacrosse player to sign a lifetime NIL deal—a milestone that reminded me anything is possible when you stay true to who you are.

After transferring to USF, I joined a historic first-year D1 program and reunited with the very coaches who introduced me to the game. I became one of five players named Unanimous First Team All-AAC, earned multiple AAC Attacker of the Week honors, and finished top 5 in both goals and points scored in the conference. But beyond the accolades, I’ve helped build a program rooted in hard work, high standards, and real sisterhood. This is more than a team—it's legacy work.

Off the field, I’m just as passionate about growth. I live by three pillars: mindset, habits, and what I call “aligned action”—making sure the work you're doing reflects the life you want to build. I’ve used my platform to speak openly about mental health, body image, faith, and the behind-the-scenes discipline it takes to succeed. I’ve sung the national anthem before games, spent hundreds of hours training, and fallen more times than I can count. But every setback has taught me: you can get back up stronger.

Regardless of why you are here, this site is a home base for growth. For learning. For becoming the kind of woman who leads with strength and heart.

You’re not just a visitor here—you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of a movement redefining what it means to show up, stand out, and shine.

Let’s get to work.

– Sofia