By: Isabella Areyano
I recently had the honor of interviewing Sophia Jungling, a standout 5th-year track star at LSU.
Sophia, a middle-distance runner for Louisiana State University, discovered her passion for running at around age 10, as a way to bond with her father. What began as casual local 5k races turned into a serious commitment to the sport. Growing up, Sophia played a multitude of sports: volleyball, soccer, and basketball. An injury in middle school—a broken hand from volleyball—led her to join the cross country team, marking the start of her competitive running journey.
During our conversation, Sophia expressed immense gratitude for her father and grandparents, who have been steadfast pillars of support throughout her career. Her close bond with her father, who coached her in multiple sports, shaped much of her early athletic experiences. She also shared how much it means to her that, no matter the location, her grandparents are at every race cheering her on. They’ve provided unwavering support from her youth competitions all the way to the collegiate level. Sophia emphasized the importance of having a solid support system, especially in high-pressure situations, to help her stay motivated.
When discussing how she stays grounded in the face of adversity, Sophia highlighted the significant role her faith has played in her journey, especially as she’s matured.
“My faith has played a huge part [in my running career]. It put a bigger scope on things… The world isn’t ending if I run really bad. The day is going to carry on tomorrow.”
She strives to view running as a privilege rather than a burden, reminding herself to embrace the joy of the sport, even amidst the pressure.
I asked her how her mindset around losing has evolved since her early days as a competitive runner. She candidly shared that as a young athlete, she didn’t cope well with the pressure and losses.
“When you’re younger, [losing] feels like the end of the world,” she admitted.
But with age and experience, Sophia has come to realize that there’s so much more to her life beyond the track.
“It’s not all about running; it’s not all about track, and that’s okay.”
“You win some, you lose some, but I have goals and aspirations beyond track and field.”
To wrap up the interview, I asked Sophia what she wishes more people knew about her. Her response was a testament to her sportsmanship:
“It’s a competitive sport, but I’m just as happy for the success of the person next to me.”
Sophia’s story is a powerful reminder that success in athletics is not just measured by wins and losses but by the relationships, resilience, and joy cultivated along the way.
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