When Leominster High School senior Sofia Gates laces up her running shoes, she brings more than speed to the course — she brings determination, resilience, and a mindset shaped by years of inspiration from her grandfather.
Sofia didn’t always picture herself as a runner. She joined the cross country team as a junior, though she had been competing in track and field since her freshman year. The inspiration came from someone very close to her — her grandfather.
“The person who introduced me to cross country and track and field is my grampy,” Sofia said. “Growing up, I’d always watch him train every day so that he could beat his times in marathons.”
That early inspiration turned into a passion that continues to drive her.
“What I love the most about this sport is the way that it has strengthened my want and need of becoming the best version of myself,” she explained. “This sport also strengthened my mental toughness—even outside of the sport, whether it’s at work, in school, or just overcoming any challenges.”
Sofia’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed by her coaches. Head coach Karen Marino praised her captain’s growth on and off the course.
“This is Sofia's 2nd year on cross country,” Marino said. “She started this year off with a three-minute improvement from her last year’s best time. She has really worked hard over the summer to become one of the team’s fastest runners. As a team captain, she is a great motivator and example to her peers. It has been very rewarding to me as a coach to watch Sofia improve and grow as an athlete. I truly believe she will take another two to three minutes off her time by the end of the season.”
At Leominster High, Sofia credits her teammates and coaches for helping her thrive.
“I really like all of my teammates and coaches. They all are very supportive and push you past your limits to help you unlock your true potential,” she said.
Among the biggest lessons she’s taken away is a simple but powerful one: “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” It’s a motto reinforced by her coaches and that mindset has paid off. Sofia has seen her performance improve dramatically by focusing on positive self-talk and mental preparation.
Looking ahead, Sofia plans to keep running at the collegiate level. She has her sights set on either Worcester State or Fitchburg State, where she hopes to compete in cross country. But running is only one part of her future vision.
Outside of sports, Sofia hopes to join the North Atlantic Carpenters Union while pursuing higher education with the goal of becoming either a petroleum engineer or an architect.
Her interests stretch far beyond the track. At LHS, she participates in the ski and snowboarding club, and outside of school she enjoys snowboarding, skiing, going to the gym, pilates, carpentry, and even playing basketball for fun. Building projects — cabins, sheds, furniture, or home décor — are among her favorite hobbies.
Academically, her favorite classes have been carpentry and her junior-year courses, and she credits her shop teachers, Mr. Fontaine and Mr. Bachant, as standout mentors.
As she finishes her senior year, Sofia continues to balance athletics, academics, and her many hobbies with the same determination she brings to every race. For her, cross country is more than just a sport — it’s a way to test her limits, build resilience, and prepare for the road ahead.
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