Panthers Unleashed: Sophia's Story

Signing day. One of the most special and memorable days for a student-athlete. I can remember mine like it was yesterday. My family, friends and classmates gathered in my high school gym as I signed my letter of intent to be a college athlete.

For Sophia Colby, a 13-year old girl from Orange, Calif., it was a little different.

When Sophia was 15 months old, she was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), an extremely rare immunodeficiency in which the body makes too many activated immune cells. As a result of this diagnosis, she underwent chemotherapy treatments until she was able to receive a bone marrow transplant when she was just two years old.

Now, as a teenager, Sophia receives antibodies every three weeks in order to fight off infections. Each infusion lasts about eight hours.

The Chapman University women's soccer team was lucky enough to be paired up with Sophia through an organization called Team Impact. Team Impact drafts children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses with local college athletic teams in order to provide strength, camaraderie and support for the child.

On September 16, the women's soccer team held a draft day for Sophia. The bubbly teenager got the full treatment. She was greeted by members of the Chapman Cheer Squad as she got out of the elevator, along with the entire women's soccer team. She and her family, which includes little brother Wyatt (11) and parents Bridget and Patrick, were escorted into the Presidential Suite atop Ernie Chapman Stadium. They were met by a full press conference, with members from both Chapman News and The Panther there to document the event.

Head coach Courtney Calderon led off the remarks.

Coach Calderon told Sophia, this letter of intent is "to join not just our team, but our family." There is no truer statement to describe Chapman women's soccer. The bond the women share is so strong, and to have the opportunity to extend that bond to a child in need is something everyone in the program will cherish.

"I think Sophia's really going to teach us how to live in the moment and take each day as it comes without being afraid of the future," senior captain Ashley Carney predicted about the relationship with their new teammate. "She brings this strength and fight that we are really excited about. We are so lucky to have her as part of our family."

After a few of the members of the team spoke to Sophia's character and passion, Coach Calderon explained why Sophia was a top "recruit" for Chapman University.

"Going through the recruitment process one thing that you have that these women also have is work ethic," said Coach Calderon. "And lastly, I love your leadership. The first thing I learned about you was your ability to stand up when you're standing alone."

Coach Calderon finished by saying, "You definitely connect that last piece of our family", and with that, Sophia Colby signed her Celebratory Letter of Intent and officially became a member of the Chapman University women's soccer team.

The conference was then opened up to questions, and Associate Athletic director Doug Aiken asked, "Do the quotes on the t-shirts have any meaning?" Before she could answer, Sophia's mom Bridget was overcome with emotion. Every member of the women's soccer team and the Colby family donned t-shirts that said "Colby's Never Quit" on the back and "Alone we are strong, together we are unstoppable" on the front. Sophia's dad, Patrick, took over and provided the explanation.

"There were obviously times when she would quit, but those times didn't last long, so we developed the phrase 'Colby's Never Quit'. And when people would say 'You know, you don't have to do this', she would stand up and say 'No, Colby's don't quit'", Patrick explained.

At just 13, Sophia already displays the strength that we all hope to gain as adults. She decided at an early age that this disease was not going to control her, and that is something everyone can learn from.

Sophia ended the draft day by standing and giving a simple "thank you", and that was enough. Everyone in the room knew how much this moment meant to the Colby's and the team.

Saturday, Sept. 16 is a day that Sophia Colby, her family, and the whole Chapman women's soccer program will never forget.

by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant

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