Sophia Gladieux, Phia for short, started playing field hockey in third grade and her passion for the game continues to grow each day. "My older sister Sarah played before me, and I just kind of followed in her footsteps. Ever since then I've just grown so much as a player and I've always had that hunger and desire to get better." Growing up, Phia also played soccer and softball, and took up track and field in high school.
Shortly after Phia picked up field hockey, her dog, Casey, became her loyal teammate. "I would always go outside and play with her with a tennis ball, and she would always take it from me, and it was so frustrating. She honestly taught me everything I know when it comes to stick skills."
While at home, Phia is usually playing with Casey, who has been able to visit Penn State a few times already. Off the field, Phia is usually catching up on schoolwork, but she also enjoys listening to podcasts, like Crime Junkie, a true crime podcast.
As a student in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, Phia is taking time to explore her various interests. "I like to learn about how people work, and why we act the way we do, and why certain people have different experiences in life negative or positive compared to others." As a people person, she hopes to become an Education or Human Development and Family Studies major.
Phia's was first introduced to Penn State when she would participate in Penn State 7v7 Field Hockey Clinics with her club team, X-Calibur. Her small but mighty demeanor on the field caught Head Coach Char Morett-Curtiss' attention. Gladieux kept in contact with the Penn State coaching staff as she continued to fall in love with Happy Valley. "The atmosphere at Penn State doesn't compare to any other school."
After her sister, Sarah, was accepted to Penn State, Phia knew that she too wanted to become a Nittany Lion. "Everything just fell into place so perfectly for me and I couldn't wish for a different scenario." Sarah Gladieux is a senior a manager for the Penn State Field Hockey team and serves as a piece of home for Phia on the sidelines.
Phia feels it was a fairly smooth transition to collegiate play. The biggest adjustment for her was the increased pace of the game. She gives her Oley Valley High School and X-Calibur coaches a lot of credit because they helped prepare her for success at Penn State, as she has already collected numerous national and conference accolades his spring. It's also exciting for Phia to compete against and cheer on former teammates who now play for Big Ten opponents.
Gladieux is proud of the team's ability to overcome the adversity they have faced this season. She is looking forward to finishing the season strong and hopes to compete this fall against non-conference opponents.
