SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior track and field distance runner Sophie DeBenedetti has committed to run for Northwestern University and attend the Big 10 school in the fall.
"I am so excited to continue running," said DeBenedetti. "I definitely love it a lot. It is a great opportunity to continue on especially in a very competitive conference. It is very exciting"
DeBendetti has been a four-year contributor on the St. Francis cross country and track and field teams.
"Sophie has been the epitome of the program and culture we've been building over the last 4 years," said Head Cross Country Coach Aaron Rios. "Sophie is a hard-working, determined young lady that cares deeply about her team. She gives with all her heart, and we know these strong characteristics will serve her well as she moves on to the next level. We are all very proud of Sophie and wish her nothing but the best. Sophie will be missed."
She has run in four consecutive cross country state championships, helping the Troubadours to three Sac-Joaquin Section championships and a pair of Delta League titles.
"My career at St. Francis has meant a lot to me," said DeBenedetti. "I never thought I would run cross country and track. I was into lacrosse and did cross country to keep my fitness my first year. I loved it and the girls were so welcoming to me. I was fun to go to huge meets and it was a lot of fun."
She has earned four straight All-Delta League honors in cross country.
"It means a lot," said DeBenedetti of her four All-Delta League honors. "I did not know that even existed or was a possibility going into freshman year. It is very cool to accomplish it. I could not have done without the team I had."
DeBenedetti will run for 'A Havahla Haynes, the head coach of the Wildcat cross country program.
"The thing that drew me in the most is the coaches were very welcoming compared to other coaches I have met," said DeBenedetti, who will study Pre-Business. "They took me around and I met the team. I felt like I was wanted there and not just a number. It is a great academic institution."
DeBenedetti says the Evanston, Ill., school feels like home despite the distance from Sacramento.
"They are down to earth and great people," said DeBendetti. "They want the best for me and they want girls who are dedicated. I am not super fast or a state champion but they want to build you up and be part of a great team."
DeBenedetti looks to finish her senior season strong heading into the championship part of the schedule. She is grateful to Coach Rios for his leadership in her development.
"Coach Rios has made a very positive impact on my life and he has molded me into the person I want to be," said DeBendetti. "He tells me to take a step back and focus on what I have accomplished instead of focusing on PRs. He tells me what I can do."
DeBenedetti will participate in the St. Francis Signing Day event on April 17 at 8:30 a.m.
