Shen’s Sophia Demura ‘22 Looks Forward to Future at UAlbany

Shenendehowa’s Sophia Demura has made quite a career for herself. There has not been much that has stood in her way. Receiving numerous honors and leading her team to regular and postseason success.

Demura started playing soccer at the very young age of three. She has been in love with the game ever since, putting her heart into everything that she does on the field.

By the age of ten, she was ready to make the jump to club soccer. She has been playing for her current club team, New York Elite FC, for about 6-7 years. On to school ball, Demura has played for Shenendehowa her whole soccer career. Playing for a very competitive school, Demura has continued to stand out.

Demura has many awards to back up her name. They include NYS First Team All-Star 2020, Suburban Council First Team All-Star 2019 and 2020, Suburban Council Defensive Player of the Year 2019, NYS Second Team All-Star 2019, Times Union Large School First Team All-Star 2019, Suburban Council Second Team All-Star 2018, and this past season she was named the NYS AA Player of the Year.

When asked about how it felt to be named the NYS AA Player of the Year Demura responded with, “It felt really good, so grateful that I had a season and that I was able to receive that award.” An extremely talented player, Demura was grateful to just have a season and to be named the NYS AA Player of the Year.

Demura has an excellent skill set which allows her to play at the next level. She has excellent speed which allows for her to chase down the opposition when they are on a breakaway, and also allows for her to transition from defense to offense really quick.

She also sees the field extremely well which allows for her to predict what is going to happen next which will give her a big advantage at the next level. One thing that she told me that she could work on was being more vocal on the field.

“Just gaining more confidence and not being afraid of what my teammates might think when I yell something at them, whether it’s improving or fixing something, I just can’t be afraid.” Demura has many dominant qualities in her game, but gaining more confidence and becoming more vocal could lead her to become a more dominant player than she already is.

This past season Demura and the Plainsmen had a shortened season which they ultimately finished undefeated. In their playoff, they ended up making it all the way to the championship game against Shaker. Unfortunately about 5 minutes before kickoff, they were told that the game would not be played due to Shaker having a Covid issue. A disappointing end to an extremely successful season for Demura and her team.

Looking forward, Demura is excited to continue her academic and athletic career at The University at Albany. When asked about what led her to commit to UAlbany, Demura responded with, “I had always wanted to go to UAlbany, it was always in the back of my mind and when COVID happened I wasn’t able to talk to all of the colleges that I wanted to, UAlbany was always right there on my radar, it was just helpful to know that they were always there and that ultimately led me to my decision.”

Demura stated numerous times about how excited she is to be able to continue her soccer career at the next level. An exceptional player, Demura looks to continue her success at the next level.

As her career keeps progressing, Demura intends to keep progressing her skills and improve on her weaknesses. An exceptional talent, make sure to not forget her name.