Scholar Athlete: Amherst's Sophie Rourke

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Amherst High School’s Sophie Rourke is the kind of player every coach dreams of and every teammate admires.

With five years of varsity experience, Rourke has left a lasting impact on the soccer field and is recognized as one of the top high school players in Western New York. While she's also played flag football for Amherst, her true passion has always been soccer.

"It's something that I very much enjoy and something that I dedicate myself to, and it brings me happiness," she said. "When I do play in a game, I can just have fun. I can be creative, and I can be a better soccer player."

Next year, Rourke will take her talents to the University of Pittsburgh as a Panther with plans to study business.

Her dedication to soccer matches her commitment to academics and activities, as she maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She also holds leadership roles in the Mental Health Awareness Club and the student section.

Rourke spoke about what she will miss the most when she leaves Amherst High School.

"Just the people I've met here — from the teachers to the coaches to my friends and teammates. Everybody here makes you feel welcome and like you're in the right place," she said.

Rourke's high school coach, JoAnna Fildes, said her leadership both on and off the field is what her team loves the most.

"I've seen her growth over the last five years as a player, a leader and a captain," Fildes said. "Her teammates look up to her and her dominating ways on and off the field."