Sophia Nickel, a junior forward/defender on the West Virginia University women's soccer squad, has been selected as the WVU Student‑Athlete of the Week after a standout opening to the season.
A Perfect Start
She opened the campaign by netting the decisive goal in a 2‑0 victory over Dayton on August 13, then repeated the feat against No. 23 Penn State on August 20, and capped the trio of wins with a late strike in a 2‑0 triumph over Duquesne on August 23.
Her three‑goal burst marks the first time a Mountaineer has found the net in each of the first three matches since the program joined the Big 12 in 2012, propelling West Virginia to its strongest start since a 3‑0 opening in 2017.
A Milestone in the Making
The achievement not only underscores Nickel’s growing influence on the team but also signals a renewed vigor for a program that has historically struggled to translate early momentum into sustained success.
Road Trip to Princeton
Next up, the Mountaineers travel to Princeton, New Jersey, where they will meet their opponent at Myslik Field on August 23, aiming to extend their winning streak on the road.
Coach and teammates alike are confident that Nickel’s clutch performances will continue to shape the team’s trajectory as they navigate a demanding early schedule.