Sophia "Saffy" Priester-Veasley '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Sophia “Saffy” Priester-Veasley, I am a 5’0” short-distance sprinter. As a freshman I ran competitively with the varsity track team at my high school, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. I was given the opportunity to run third leg at the Penn Relays with the 4x100m and later placed 2nd in the 4x100m at our conference championship that year. During my sophomore indoor season, I ran at the Ocean Breeze Meet where I won 1st place for the sophomore 55m and placed 3rd for the sophomore 4x200m relay. I placed 3rd in the 55m at the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I was unable to run an outdoor season my sophomore year and an indoor season my junior year. However, we were allowed to run a shortened outdoor season my junior year. I was able to PR in both 100m and 200m. 

I pride myself on being a student of the game and a hardworking student in the classroom. Throughout my first three years of high school I achieved a 3.5 unweighted GPA. Some of my favorite classes I’ve taken have been Anatomy and Physiology, AP Comparative Government, and IB World Literature and Composition. This past year has presented obstacles with COVID-19, but I learned to enjoy the year with virtual learning. I thoroughly enjoyed serving as vice president of my school's mental health club. Being a leader in the classroom and being a track captain has truly taught me how to be a servant-leader.

As a student-athlete, I continue to push myself everyday to compete at the varsity level with a positive attitude. My abilities as a sprinter are constantly underestimated, due to my height, which drives me to work harder. My track journey has not been easy with the interruption of COVID-19 but I strive to rise to the challenges before me.

My goal is to pursue track to the highest level of competition and run for a Division I school. As a student-athlete, I envision my college experience to be a time for personal growth both academically and athletically. Although track is an individual sport, my goal is to always be a team player. I strive to conduct myself with honor and integrity as a reflection and representative of my family, the team, and university. In the fall of 2022, I intend to major in Sociology in preparation for medical school.