Through St. Vincent de Paul High School senior Sophia Skubic's entire high school sports career, she has failed to disappoint.
Skubic entered St. Vincent de Paul as a freshman in 2018 with high hopes for both volleyball and softball. Not only did she play both sports, but she also made both varsity teams as a freshman.
Although she did not see much volleyball playing time in her freshman year, the same cannot be said about softball. Skubic was the team’s best pitcher, recording an 11-6 record in 19 appearances with a 2.60 ERA.
Playing multiple varsity sports as a freshman took a lot of commitment from Skubic, but she always knew what her main priority was – her education – it is something she values above all else.
“It is tiring always having to go to practice or a game on top of school,” Skubic said. “Taking advantage of study halls and office hours have helped keep me on top of my school work and maintain a strong GPA.”
During the sophomore volleyball season, Skubic helped lead the team to a 25-8 overall record and to a second round berth in the CIF Division 5 NorCal playoffs. As one of the key players, she began developing key leadership skills by leading by example.
“All of my teams win like one, lose like one, and fight like one,” Skubic said. “I always try to hold my head high no matter the outcome of the game.”
Following a solid sophomore basketball season, she traded in the basketball uniform for the softball uniform. The team played just four games in 2020, going just 1-3 before the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down the season. In those games, she had a 1-1 record with 4.20 ERA in 16.2 innings pitched. Despite not always having her best stuff, she always knew how to stay mentally strong.
“Being mentally strong as a pitcher is one of the hardest things I have had to do in any sport. The wins are easy, but the losses and errors make it challenging,” Skubic said. “What I have to realize is that I am one of nine players on the field. I always pick up my teammates when they are struggling, and they do the same for me.”
With the cancellation of games and the continued spread of COVID-19, Skubic was able to think positively.
“Sophia always brings a calming presence to the games, and it gives the team a sense of confidence when she is on the court,” St. Vincent de Paul Girls Basketball Head Coach Dayna Dolcini said. “She is also always willing to step up for any role and never complains. She is overall a great leader and a very selfless player.”
Junior year brought more of the same for Skubic. COVID-19 made it difficult to play games for all three sports, but she did just that, battling through 42 games throughout the three different sports in just over three months.
Despite a shortened softball season, Skubic was still able to shine. In 13 appearances, she had an 8-4 record with a very impressive 1.77 ERA. She also hit .353 at the plate.
She was always able to motivate others to do their best, especially one of her younger teammates, junior Vanessa Rios, who plays all three sports with Skubic.
“Sophia is always willing to help us when we struggle, and has taught me to always do my best.” Rios said. “Last year was my first time ever playing softball, and she really helped me step outside of my comfort zone. Our team would not have been complete without her.”
Skubic is currently in her senior year. Although the volleyball season did not go the way she had planned, her senior leadership showed as she helped motivate her entire team.
Sophomore outside hitter and DS Ava Sullivan was a fellow captain on the St. Vincent de Paul volleyball team this past fall.
"Sophia is one of the best teammates I have ever played with. She is a non-stop source of motivation,” Sullivan said. “Sophia and I had a relationship on the court that made each other want to be excellent. We always pushed each other to our limits.”
This past basketball season, the Lady Mustangs finished 7-12 and ended the season with a home win in front of a full crowd at DeCarli Gymnasium.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate than Sophia,” Rios said. “She is unforgettable and I am so glad to be able to play with her.
On the softball diamond, the Mustangs currently sit at 5-5 overall and 2-0 in North Bay League - Redwood play. Skubic has pitched every inning of every game this season. In games with recorded stats, she has a 4-3 record with a 2.04 ERA. She also has a .308 batting average, good for 5th best on the team.
Head softball coach Morgan Selmi had very high praise for Skubic, who has coached her for all four years of her high school career.
“I have never seen Sophia visibly upset on the field, and to me this is the most important quality she has,” Selmi said. “It is very refreshing having her leadership on this team.”
Skubic is a career .326 hitter at the plate and an .823 OPS for the Mustangs, who are a perennial North Bay power. In the pitcher's circle throughout her career, she's been tremendous. Over the course of 3,516 pitches and 247.1 innings pitched, she sports a 24-14 record with a 2.35 ERA and striking out an incredible 250 batters to just 47 walks allowed.
At St. Vincent de Paul, Skubic’s legacy as a player, leader and student will, without a doubt, be remembered long after she graduates.
