Sofía Vega Barrantes

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Beach volleyball, Indoor volleyball
January 5, 2006

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About Athlete

At just 17 years old, I have already proven myself as Sofía Vega, a dedicated beach volleyball player who has competed at the highest international level. I have fearlessly faced off against Olympic medalists and renowned women athletes in prestigious competitions such as NORCECAS, Pan-American events, and Central American tournaments. While these achievements have been remarkable, my true ambition extends beyond the court. I aspire to become an influential figure within society, serving as a role model for fellow athletes and students alike.

Nothing would bring me greater joy than inspiring young girls to unlock their full potential in sports and academics, encouraging them to chase their dreams with unwavering determination. What sets me apart from other student-athletes is my relentless work ethic, refusal to surrender in the face of challenges, and my commitment to being the first one to arrive at training sessions. I wholeheartedly embrace discipline and maintain a consistently positive attitude, whether it pertains to my sporting endeavors or academic pursuits. Yet, above all, my humility and genuine concern for others truly define me as an individual.

Both on and off the court, my coaches and teachers recognize the immense value I bring through my leadership. They have witnessed my unwavering dedication and the positive impact it has on my teammates and peers. Furthermore, I have diligently honed my volleyball technique, earning the acknowledgment of my coaches. Notably, my endurance, speed, and strength shine brightly as key attributes that propel my performance.

With my remarkable journey as a beach volleyball player, I strive to leave a lasting impression on the lives of others. It is my sincerest hope that my accomplishments and character will inspire those around me to dream big and pursue greatness in all aspects of their lives.

GPA

General Certificate of Secondary Education of 2022
Country scale: 0-100
Math: 93
Computer skills: 100
History: 91
French: 93
English: 94
Spanish: 98
Science: 83
Research methods: 96
Civic Education: 85
Musical education: 98
Physical education: 100
Religion: 98
Plastic arts: 100
Behavior: 100
Average: 95

GPA: 3.8

Teams

National Costa Rica Team

Championships

TEAMS

  • Beach Volleyball Major National team, 2023.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U23, 2022-2023.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U19, 2020-2021-2022-2023.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U17, 2019-2020-2021-2022-2023.
  • Atenas Team District National Sports Game Tournament 2022-2023.
  • Moravia Team District National Sports Game Tournament 2021.
  • AMOVOLI Beach Volleyball Club.
  • Saint Francis College.

INTERNATIONAL

  • AFECAVOL beach volleyball major tournament, Guatemala, to be hold August 23 – 28, 2023
  • NORCECA beach volleyball major tournament, Grand Cayman May 2023, 6th position.
  • NORCECA U23 beach volleyball tournament, Dominican Republic June 2023, 6th position.
  • AFECAVOL games beach volleyball U23, Panamá Bronze medal, November 2022.
  • PAN-AMERICAN games indoors U19 Oklahoma USA, July 2022, 8th position.
  • FNVH Honduras Puerto Cortés beach volleyball U18, April 2019, 4th place, I partner with an athlete from El Salvador.
  • FNVH Honduras Puerto Cortés beach volleyball major category, April 2019, 6th place, I partner with Rio Olympic player Ingrid Morales.

NATIONAL

  • Costa Rica Major Open tournament, Elite category, actually ranked 2th position 2023, I play against Olympic players like Natalia Alfaro and Karen Cope, I am the youngest player in the Elite category.
  • Gold Medal U19 National Sports Game Tournament 2022.
  • Gold Medal Indoors Volleyball Major League 2022.
  • Gold Medal Beach Volleyball U22 FECOVOL tournament.
  • Costa Rica Open tournament, Elite category, ranked at 8th position 2022, I play against Olympic players like Natalia Alfaro and Karen Cope, I am the youngest player in the Elite category.
  • Gold Medal U17 National Sports Game Tournament 2021.
  • 3rd place Beach Volleyball national open tournament Premier Category 2021. 
  • 1st place Indoors volleyball national championship ANADEC 2019.
  • 1st place Indoors volleyball national championship ANADEC 2018.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U17 2019-2020-2021-2022.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U19 2020-2021-2022.
  • Indoor Volleyball National team U18 2021-2022.
  • 3rd place Beach Volleyball Los Chiles Open 2021.
  • 4th place Beach Volleyball Puerto Viejo Open 2021. 

Achievements/Honorable Mentions/Awards Received

  • Gold Medal U19 National Games tournament 2022.
  • Gold Medal Indoors Volleyball Major League 2022.
  • Gold Medal U17 National Sports Game tournament 2021.

National Team Experience

  • Beach Volleyball Major National team, 2023.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U23, 2022-2023.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U19, 2020-2021-2022-2023.
  • Beach Volleyball National team U17, 2019-2020-2021-2022-2023.

State/County/Provincial Experience

  • Guatemala 2023, AFECAVOL beach volleyball major tournament. 
  • Grand Cayman 2023, NORCECA beach volleyball major tournament.
  • Dominican Republic 2023, NORCECA U23 beach volleyball tournament.
  • Panamá 2022, AFECAVOL beach volleyball U23.
  • Oklahoma USA 2022, PAN-AMERICAN indoors U19.
  • Honduras Puerto Cortés 2019, FNVH beach volleyball U18.
  • Honduras Puerto Cortés 2019, FNVH beach volleyball major category

Awards, press

Additional Videos

https://youtu.be/p4kr0G_7Vxk

https://youtu.be/vK8psgfC54k

https://youtu.be/snzKMnpJFTk

https://youtu.be/-ADjUa5iNFY

Additional sporting info

In the demanding world of beach volleyball, versatility is paramount. I am accustomed to excelling in every aspect of the game, including spiking, defending, and blocking. However, in the realm of indoor volleyball, my primary position is that of an Outside Hitter.

Personal Best

Spiking Reach: 9 ft 6 inches – 293 cm
Blocking Reach: 9 ft 2 inches - 281 cm
Approach Jump: 8 ft 7 inches – 265 cm

My biggest strengths lie in my exceptional defense, formidable spike, relentless pursuit of every ball, and adept communication and leadership skills on the court. These attributes contribute to my effectiveness as a player and significantly impact the success of my team.

What makes you different?

I possess an unparalleled drive, a relentless determination, and an unwavering commitment to never give up. I am consistently the first one to arrive at training, displaying remarkable discipline. With an unwavering positive attitude, I approach every challenge head-on. I maintain a steadfast constancy in pursuing excellence in both sports and academics. Above all, I value humility and self-effacement, understanding the importance of putting the team's success before personal recognition.

My leadership qualities shine both on and off the court, earning the respect and admiration of my coaches. Whether in the midst of a game or during intense training sessions, my presence and guidance make a significant impact. My coaches have commended my exceptional volleyball technique, highlighting my powerful spike and impeccable defensive skills. Furthermore, I boast remarkable endurance, impressive speed, and outstanding strength, further enhancing my performance and contribution to the team.

Why do you want to compete in college?

My ultimate goal is to become the finest beach volleyball player worldwide. I yearn to serve as a beacon of inspiration for fellow athletes and students alike. If I can ignite a spark in other girls, urging them to excel in sports, academics, and never abandon their dreams, it would be an awe-inspiring achievement.
Competing at the college level provides me with an incredible platform to chase my ambitions relentlessly. By honing my skills and displaying unwavering determination, I can pave the way for others to follow suit. Being a role model not only entails athletic prowess but also encompasses the qualities of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.

I firmly believe that by showcasing my unwavering commitment and passion for the sport, I can motivate and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Witnessing other girls strive for greatness, both on and off the field, would be an immensely gratifying experience. The opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring athletes and students is a driving force behind my desire to compete at the collegiate level.

College Goals?

The fields of Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, and Architecture have captivated my interest. However, my long-term aspirations extend beyond choosing a single path. My ultimate objective is to attain a Master of Science degree and eventually pursue a PhD, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and intellectual growth.

Additional Videos

Education

S

Saint Francis College

High School graduation, December 2023

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