When Sofia Azzollini crossed the finish line at the ASUN Conference meet, it wasn't just the end of a race — it was a moment she'll carry with her long after the season.

"Crossing the line at ASUN this year was an unforgettable moment," Sofia said. "I was incredibly proud of what my entire team accomplished. We worked relentlessly all season, and seeing that hard work pay off meant everything to us."

For Sofia, that finish line represented far more than a time on the clock. It was proof of how quickly life can change when you commit to something fully — and how much growth can happen in a short period of time. Less than two years into running, she's already made the jump from beginner to Division I competitor, continuing to cut time off her races while balancing the demands of graduate school.

"Running has opened my eyes and empowered me to pursue my goals without limitations," she said. "It has taught me to be hard working and resilient in times when I don't think I can be strong."

For National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Sofia's story is a reminder that confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you build, step by step, mile by mile.

Sofia didn't grow up expecting to become a distance runner. She didn't even start competing until her sophomore year at Daytona State College, but she quickly discovered a passion that changed her routine, her mindset, and her belief in what she could accomplish.

"I started running the 5k in 27 minutes and now run in the 19s," she said.

That kind of improvement speaks to her work ethic and her willingness to embrace discomfort — the early mornings, the hard workouts, and the learning curve that comes with being new to the sport. After transferring to Stetson and stepping into a new level of competition, she admits there were nerves. But the transition didn't take long to feel like home.

"My coaches and teammates have been incredible," she said. "The uplifting and encouraging words from my coaches, the support of my welcoming teammates, and the fun memories we've shared have made this season at Stetson truly unforgettable."

For Sofia, the support she found in DeLand has made all the difference — especially in the moments when self-doubt tried to creep in.

"I have never felt like I didn't belong and that means the world to me," Sofia said.

Like many female athletes, Sofia has faced moments where the biggest battle wasn't physical — it was internal.

"Not feeling 'good enough' has been a challenge for me at times," she said. "Female athletes don't always receive the same recognition, and that can be frustrating for many."

Rather than letting those feelings define her, she learned to filter out the noise and focus on what she could control: her effort, her consistency, and her belief in her own progress.

"This has helped me realize that outside opinions don't define me or any other female athlete," she said. "Facing these challenges has taught me to persevere, to trust myself and my journey, and to tune out all of the noise."

That mindset has become part of how she approaches every race — and it's also the message she hopes young girls carry with them as they chase their own goals.

"Do not give up on your dreams even if they seem completely out of reach," Sofia said. "The only one that can limit you and your goals in life is yourself, and I go by that every time I step on that start line."

Sofia credits her current teammates and coaches for the day-to-day encouragement that makes the season special, but one of her biggest sources of inspiration came earlier in her journey — from a coach at Daytona State College who shared a story Sofia has never forgotten.

"She told me a story of how she came from being last on her team at Indiana University to being one of the top girls and even competing at the Olympic marathon trials," Sofia said. "She inspired me to keep going no matter how many times I came last in practice, in races, in the weight room. It lit a fire in me that I have never felt before and has not gone away since that day."

That fire has stayed with her through the hard days — the workouts that sting, the races that test her, and the moments that demand patience. It's the reason she keeps showing up, and why her progress has been so steady.

For Sofia, the best part of being a female student-athlete at Stetson is the community she's found within the program. Being surrounded by driven, talented women has helped her raise her standard — not only as an athlete, but as a person.

"Being around such a talented group of young women pushes me to be a better athlete and a better person every day," she said. "We've shared so many fun and meaningful memories — traveling to races, laughing through practice, or even just grabbing coffee together. When it's time to get serious, we all step up and fight for each other."

That bond is what makes the work feel worth it — and what makes the highs even more meaningful.

"Our team is incredibly close, and I am so grateful for the amazing group of girls and coaches who support us every step of the way," Sofia said.

If she had to sum up her experience in three words, they'd be simple: "Inspiring, unforgettable, rewarding."

And as National Girls & Women in Sports Day shines a spotlight on female athletes everywhere, Sofia hopes people recognize the commitment and competitiveness that defines women's sports.

"We are strong, resilient athletes, and we are just as capable," she said. "Female student-athletes train just as hard, face just as many challenges, and bring just as much passion as any other athlete."

About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.