Article by: Aaron Turner
CCSF Alumni Spotlight: Sophia Greco
Former CCSF swimmer Sophia Greco, who was once a CCCAA Academic All-American, wrapped up her second season at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, California. During her time at City College, Greco qualified for the California State Championships in both 2017 and 2018 for multiple events; the 200-yard backstoke, and in both the 200 and 400-yard individual medley.
In addition to being an Academic All-American in both seasons at City, Greco was awarded two All American honors in 2017, for 200-yard backstroke and 400-yard individual medley, and took home six All American honors in 2018 for three individual events and three relays.
Greco was also a member of multiple state-qualifying relay teams and took home multiple 1st place finishes in the Coast Conference Championships in both of her seasons as a Ram. Outside of the pool, Greco also posted a 4.0 GPA in the classroom, was on CCSF's Dean's List and was named a 2018 CCCAA Scholar Athlete.
This season, Greco was able to compete in NAIA Championships, finishing top-16 in the nation in both the 100-yard butterfly, as well as the 100-yard backstroke. A native of San Francisco, Greco is studying social and behavioral sciences at Soka University.
What is your favorite memory from your time on the CCSF swim team?
"I have many favorite memories from my time swimming for CCSF. Some of the ones I cherish most are: the chance to bond with my teammates while traveling in the school vans to swim meets, the countless hours I spent with my training partner and dear friend Ashley in Coach Pham’s office reviewing technique videos or strategizing our events, and scarfing down chocolate milk and a banana after practice on my way to class. Sugar tastes so good after a hard workout! I also often remember the 2017 State Championships at East LA College as a really fun and successful meet where I achieved all-time personal bests. My current team competed at the same pool for our Conference Championships this past year, which brought back a lot of memories from my time at CCSF and made me really emotional."
How did Coach Pham and his assistant coaches help prepare you to compete at the next level?
"Coach Pham, Coach Natalie, and Coach Jim were supportive in more ways than I can possibly express. They challenged me to set goals out of my comfort zone, gave me frequent constructive feedback, checked in with me often, supported me academically, and helped build my confidence. Most importantly, they made the pool feel like my second home. I often visit them when I come back to San Francisco from school, and when I’m going through a rough time and need advice, Coach Pham is the person I call. He’s also the person I most look up to in terms of his work ethic, care for others, wisdom, knowledge, and motivation to keep improving."
After your collegiate swim career is finished, what are your future goals?
"I have one year of athletic competition left, and while I am sad to be nearing the end of my college swimming days, my goal is to continue swimming in the future. I’m not sure whether I will decide to do so competitively or just recreationally, but swimming has been such a positive and healthy part of my life that I don’t see myself retiring it anytime soon. Having been forced to take a break as a result of the coronavirus pandemic has only made me more eager to get back in the pool as soon as possible. As for more academic goals, I am considering a graduate degree and career in geography, art, education, or some sort of interdisciplinary study that combines all three."
Do you have any advice for young collegiate swimmers?
"Rather than advice, I just have some encouragement. Make the most you can out of your collegiate career while it lasts! Set goals and challenge yourself — you’d be surprised by what might come of it. If you know Coach Pham, you know he says this all the time, but it really is true; swimming for college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Originally, I didn’t expect to swim in college at all, let alone four years, but I’m so glad I did, and I’m even even more glad that I could swim for CCSF. My two seasons there changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the coaches and teammates who embraced me as part of their community."