An athlete, an academic, a trailblazer, Sophia Vianest does it all. From balancing school soccer, club soccer, cross country, track, weightlifting, and tennis, Vianest was never going to be the run-of-the-mill high schooler, she was going to strive for it all. Cape Coral High School welcomed Vianest only last year, with her ninth and tenth grade years studying and playing soccer at Mariner High School. 

After leaving Gulf Middle School, she decided to take the path of Mariner High because of what the school had to offer, especially concerning their soccer program. At Mariner, she spent her ninth and tenth grade years facing many adversities, ultimately leading to her switch to Cape High. Not only did she struggle to get playing time, the environment that she described as “toxic” truly led to a setback in her academics as well as athletics. 

Vianest decided to switch to Cape in the 2023-2024 school year, her junior year. She applied to the International Baccalaureate program and was accepted. Later in the school year she tried out for the soccer team, securing a spot on Varsity. 

Vianest instantaneously became a starter for the team and a beloved friend to many, including one of her most influential former teammates, Kaysie Taylor. On and off the pitch, Taylor and Vianest assisted one another as they continued to improve their game together. 

“We would spend every moment together,” Taylor recalled, “but she and I never failed to have a good laugh. We grew up together through those times.” 

Through middle school hardships, then the separation of high schools, and rekindling of a friendship, to Taylor leaving for college, it was undeniable that Taylor and Vianest had grown closer.

The upperclassmen and underclassmen alike found a certain sense of leadership and friendship in Vianest. Sophomore Zoee Maurillo, a teammate of Vianest, saw these qualities and through soccer, a friendship blossomed. 

“She has a very fun personality and is a great leader. She strives to be the best example for the people she surrounds herself with,” said Maurillo. “The way that she presents herself leads people to have respect for her, she will always let people know that she has a strong voice and opinion.”

Although having a funny side, she is constantly focused when it comes to moments where focus is required.

“As soon as it is time for warm ups, she is locked in, usually not messing around at this point.” said Taylor, “Looking back now, a game with Sophie is something that is memorable and is missed.”

Not only on the field is she focused, but is constantly focused in her studies. She plans to major in Health and Exercise science in college. While she is still unsure of whether or not she wants to take her soccer career any further than high school, she remains dedicated to herself and those that surround her. Her friends and family are a constant positive influence on her life and see her as a hardworking, dedicated student as well as athlete. While balancing her many athletic activities, she maintains a 4.77 grade point average. 

Her chemistry with the team is something that has not always been apparent since the beginning. As her senior year soccer season began, she was named team captain for the first time in her soccer career. This level of dedication and persistence in Vianest allowed her to thrive and grow into that captain position.

Vianest named her father, Chris, as one of the most influential people during her soccer career. 

“She has always gotten to see how captains treat their team, good and bad, over the last 10 plus years, so that showed her what are probably the best things to do and the worst things to do so she can choose that path to be a better captain.” Said Chris. 

Vianest has always been unselfish and supportive of her teammates, friends, and family on and off the field. These qualities tend to show themselves to others, contributing to one of the many reasons why she has become such a success. 

“I’ve always been supportive but held her accountable for her actions and play. One of the big things that we have learned is that self reflection helps you grow as a player much faster. Just because you are successful doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a level of respect for others.” stated Chris.

Although Vianest did not win the NewsPress Preseason Athlete of the Year, her teammates are in agreement that she won the team. Thus reflecting on her overall ability to lead well and show her true dedication towards the well being of the team and the determination to make every situation she faces as close to perfect as possible.

Maurillo expressed her love for the team captain, “She is a strict leader but also provides fun. She is a strong player and doesn’t give up when things don’t go her way.” 

Taylor also showed her appreciation towards the dedication Vianest has concerning the team, “While having many big personalities on a team can be hard, having a captain that listens instead of talks allows for a good chemistry on the field. Soccer is such a team game, it requires everyone to get a good overall result. Having a captain that is willing to listen and include everybody allows for a place that the players can grow respect and feel heard leads her to be a good captain.”

Her dedication to school and her overarching love of sports and hobbies shows just how her past does not define the person she is today, the person surrounded by loving family and friends that have helped her to become the person she wants to be.

Most importantly, she feels that her friends and family members surrounding her are uplifting her to being the best possible version of herself. Her impact on others throughout her lifetime is extremely inspiring to all those that surround her. In other words, no matter the trauma she has experienced, or the upheavals coming her way, she is inspiring and constantly bringing up those around her, truly earning the title of a very strong person.

Taylor describes her as “Someone who lights up so many rooms, She is passionate about everything that touches her heart. She cares deeply for the people she loves and never fails to tell the people she loves how she feels, even when you don’t ask. Sophie is someone that is always in your corner. She is someone that never fails to bring a smile to anyone’s face. She is the kind girl who would drop everything to be there for you no matter what she is handling. She is the bigger person. She is the light in a dark hall. She is my best friend.”