Having good friends means always having someone there to celebrate with you through the good times and support you through the bad. When Sofia joined the Mount St. Mary’s lacrosse team in January of 2023, she knew she was gaining a new team, but what she didn’t know was that this team would also give her a friend for life in her teammate Lizzie Stevenson.
From the start, Lizzie welcomed Sofia to the team, “lifting her spirits and bringing back her smile,” says Sofia’s mom, Pamela. When it came time to nominate for Teammate of the Year, Sofia has no doubt Lizzie deserved to be nominated. “Lizzie is truly amazing. She always makes sure to give me one-on-one attention. She always includes me when I’m at practice and she makes really good group activities. It makes me really happy,” Sofia said in her nomination video. “She’s so funny and sweet and I really feel like she deserves this because she always makes me laugh and smile, and it all just distracts me from the medical situation that I’m in and it makes me really happy that I get to do this kind of stuff with her. She’s just such a sweet person and she works really hard and she’s just really the best and I love her a lot.”
“Lizzie always checks in on Sofia and plans perfect group activities with her,” Pamela said. Lizzie FaceTimes with Sofia and texts her when she isn’t feeling well or can’t make it to campus. “She gives her positive affirmations when she’s not feeling well or before a procedure.”
Whether they’re on campus at practice, preparing for game day, or spending time together at Sofia’s house, Pamela says “Lizzie always goes above and beyond for Sofia and Team IMPACT.”
“She’s so dedicated to making sure things are planned and Sofia keeps that smile that we all know and love glowing,” she shared. “Lizzie gets Sofia to laugh, smile, participate, and just feel like she’s part of the team every time.”
When Sofia first joined the Mount, her teammates gifted her lax team swag and her very own lacrosse stick. Sofia started sleeping with that stick next to her bed, knowing her teammates are always with her even when they’re apart. In the months since, Pamela has watched her daughter grow into a more confident, more social, and happier child. “[I’ve seen Sofia] getting out of her comfort zone and opening up in conversations with the girls and in general,” Pamela said. “She said she feels like she has real friends. That means to world to us to hear.”
Together, Sofia and her teammates completed the Team IMPACT All In 5K as a mental health walk last year at the Mount alongside dozens of other Mount St. Mary athletes and matches. They celebrated Sofia’s Signing Day on her birthday, and Pamela says the day “couldn’t have been fun of more smiles!” Before Sofia’s children’s hospital gala late last year, some of her teammates came over to braid her hair, dance and sing, and help her get ready. They’re always there for every moment, big or small, and Sofia never feels alone.
Under Lizzie’s leadership, Sofia creating lasting memories with teammates who very quickly became best friends. “Lizzie is a wonderful motivation and someone I know Sofia looks up to. Role model for sure!” Pamela said. “Their friendship is amazing, and we are so thankful.”
