By: Kiyoshi Fish
Zofia Cooley is a remarkable young lady who shines both on and off the basketball court. As a player for the AZ Sunrays, Zofia demonstrates exceptional leadership—not only during games but also in the classroom.
Inspired by her mother, who played basketball herself, Zofia developed a love for the sport. “My mom always played basketball, and I love the physicality of the game,” she shares. “I also love the team aspect and the competitiveness of it.”
One of Zofia’s greatest strengths on the court is her calm demeanor, which allows her to make smart decisions under pressure. However, she’s always striving to improve, particularly focusing on dribbling with her right hand. “I practice every Sunday with my right hand,” she says, showing her dedication to growth.
In addition to her athletic talents, Zofia is excelling academically, proudly maintaining straight A’s. She dreams of playing basketball in college, with hopes of earning both academic and athletic scholarships. Her top choice? Grand Canyon University. “I love GCU; my mom went there,” she says with enthusiasm.
When Zofia isn’t on the court, she explores her creative side as an artist. “I love art and what it does for me. It helps me stay focused and calm.” She also enjoys spending time with her cat, Sparrow, and credits her mom as her biggest inspiration. “My mom works a lot, yet she always finds time to help me grow and provides me with so many opportunities.”
Zofia takes pride in being a team leader. “I love to lead because I can speak my mind and help my teammates as well.” Her competitive spirit drives her, and she embraces every challenge. “I love competition.”With her determination, talent, and positive outlook, Zofia is on an exciting path toward achieving her goals. Keep an eye out for this rising star!
