By: Kiyoshi Fish
Sofia Palmenta, a standout basketball player for the AZ SunRays, is making a name for herself as a determined and multi-talented athlete. A 6th grader in the Class of 2030, Sofia excels both on and off the court, maintaining straight A’s in school while balancing multiple sports.
Sofia has been passionate about basketball since she was five years old and credits her mother and WNBA star Kelsey Plum as her biggest inspirations. “I want to play basketball like my mom because she wasn’t afraid to shoot, and she played in the post,” she shares. “I also love Kelsey Plum because she shoots from anywhere and drives to the basket with confidence.”
Beyond basketball, Sofia is a natural athlete who also plays volleyball and competes in long-distance running. “Running really helps my conditioning and makes me faster than other players,” she explains. Her volleyball experience has also contributed to her basketball success, particularly in shot-blocking, which she considers one of her strongest skills.
Looking ahead, Sofia plans to attend Liberty High School, where she hopes to further develop her basketball skills and earn a college scholarship. Her dream is to play at Grand Canyon University or Northern Arizona University. “I want to get a scholarship playing basketball because it can save my parents a lot of money,” she says.
Despite her early success, Sofia remains focused on improvement. “Basketball is teaching me a lot. I’m working hard on my dribbling and learning not to be afraid. I feel like my defense is my strongest skill, and my long arms help me block shots,” she adds. She is also dedicated to refining her shooting form so she can make shots from anywhere on the court and attack the basket with confidence.
Outside of sports, Sofia enjoys spending time with her family, whom she deeply respects. She also has a creative side and loves to draw in her free time. Looking to the future, she aspires to become an anesthesiologist after college. “I think this career could be really fun,” she says.
With her hard work, determination, and passion for the game, Sofia Palmenta is on an exciting path—both as an athlete and as a future leader in her chosen career.
