By Ken Hansard
Senior shooting guard Sophia Hertrich has embraced every moment of her final basketball season with the Pittsburg Purple Dragons. Hertrich entered her senior year focused not only on scoring but also on becoming a more complete player and leader for her team. “One thing I was really looking forward to coming into the season was our team chemistry. We all get along so well, and after playing together in the summer, I was excited to get back on the court with everyone.”
Hertrich’s role on the team goes beyond her reputation as a reliable shooter. She prides herself on supporting those around her and helping build her teammates’ confidence. “My role is definitely as a shooter, but I also want to be a great teammate. I love encouraging others and seeing everyone succeed.”
Pittsburg finished last season with a 10-10 record, but this year the team made a major leap, finishing 9-3 in league play to earn second place in the SEK. Heading into the Sub-State Championship at Shawnee Heights, Pittsburg boasts a 16-8 record and a chance to make history. “I’m really excited for our Sub-State Championship. If we win, it would be the first time in 27 years that Pittsburg women’s basketball has gone to state. If we play our game and trust our preparation, I think we have a great chance.”
The season hasn’t been without challenges. Hertrich battled knee injuries to both knees, forcing her to push through adversity. “Those injuries slowed me down and made it hard to stay motivated at times, but I’m grateful for the mental challenge because it helped me grow.”
Hertrich has plenty to be proud of during her career, including five three-pointers in a single game at the Bill Hansen Tournament and earning three varsity basketball letters. She is also a state qualifier in track, competing in the 400-meter and 4×100-meter relay, and has earned letters in both track and golf.
Off the court, Hertrich excels academically with a 3.94 unweighted GPA and a 4.42 weighted GPA, ranking second in her class of 206 students. A member of National Honor Society, Key Club, HOSA, Math Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Get Busy Livin’, she has also earned an academic letter and multiple honors in math competitions.
Next year, Hertrich plans to attend the University of Missouri–Kansas City in the Direct-Admit Nursing Program and Honors College. Her goal is to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing, work in an ICU, and eventually become a nurse anesthetist.
