Huntington junior Sophia Kaloudis has given a verbal commitment to Oregon State University to compete on its NCAA Division women’s gymnastics team.
“I chose Oregon State because it was the perfect fit for me,” Ms. Kaloudis said. “As soon as I stepped on campus I really felt at home. In addition to the school checking all of my boxes and more, the campus itself is absolutely stunning. The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is unlike anything I have experienced before. Corvallis is a great college town with so much to offer. Oregon State has both excellent academic and athletic programs with endless opportunities.”
The Huntington junior is excited about joining a college athletic program that competes at the pinnacle of the NCAA. “Oregon State’s Division I gymnastics program is consistently top ranked in the NCAA and is part of the Pac-12 Conference,” Ms. Kaloudis said. “The coaching staff in particular really stood out to me. Their kindness and knowledge of the sport was an important factor when choosing a team. I am really looking forward to contributing and being a part of such a successful program.”
Ms. Kaloudis and the sport first clicked when she was just a little girl. “I started gymnastics at a young age at a local gym,” she said. “I was one of those kids who had a lot of energy and being at the gym seemed like a good way for me put that energy to good use. I have always enjoyed working on and learning new skills and ultimately competing. I love being part of a team and working out with my friends.”
The teenager said she is “still a little unsure” about what she intends to study, but she’s interested in health science and a possible career as either a physical therapist or physician assistant.
“Although I am still only a junior, I definitely feel that Huntington has prepared me for college and beyond,” Ms. Kaloudis said. “Huntington High School has a great educational program with a great variety of classes and learning opportunities. I am currently taking Advanced Placement Chemistry and AP English Language and Composition, which I know will help prepare me for college. In addition to Huntington’s great academics, I have always valued our strong music and arts program. Playing the violin and being a member of the orchestra since primary school will always be one of my favorite school experiences.”
An exceptional student academically, Ms. Kaloudis has been accepted into numerous honor societies, “which I am thrilled to take part in,” she said. She’s also an active member of the high school’s Key Club chapter, serving the organization as an administrative assistant.
At Oregon State, gymnastics is sure to take up a majority of Ms. Kaloudis’ out of class time, but she hopes to also participate in some of the many community outreach programs the college offers.
Ms. Kaloudis has been able to broaden her horizons over the years and she would be happy to continue doing so in the future.
“I really enjoy traveling and have been fortunate enough to visit some really special places,” Ms. Kaloudis said. “Aside from the traveling around the U.S. for my gymnastics meets, my family and I like to go on summer vacations to different locations each year. While each and every place we have traveled to was amazing, I have to say that Hawaii was my favorite and I hope to visit again.”
Oregon State is nearly 3,000 miles from Huntington. It’s a 45 hour drive by car. But Ms. Kaloudis is sure to find her back home from her home-away-from-home.
“Huntington is a great little town with a great heart and community,” she said. “I think the beautiful location and people make it a special place. The town of Corvallis reminds me of Huntington, which is probably one of the reasons I like it so much.”
With her college plans are set, Ms. Kaloudis intends to make the most of her time remaining at Huntington High School and savor every day of it.
“I would definitely say I have enjoyed my time here in Huntington,” Ms. Kaloudis said. “I think that Huntington is such a great place to grow up and I feel very fortunate to call it home.”