Sophia Gladieux’s spring semester took an unexpected turn when she received a text that would pivot her plans from student teaching at Pleasant Gap Elementary to training for the Olympics. The Penn State field hockey standout has relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to vie for a place on the U.S. team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Gladieux, a four-time All-American and a beacon of talent in the Big Ten, has her sights set on not just Paris but also the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite the sudden shift in focus, she remains committed to completing her education. She plans to play one more season of college field hockey, utilizing an extra year of NCAA eligibility granted due to COVID-19 disruptions, while finishing her student teaching this fall.
“My sister was a huge influence on my decision to attend Penn State. It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else,” said Gladieux, whose academic and athletic achievements have made her a beloved figure at the university. She was named Penn State Female Athlete of the Year last spring and is known for her prowess on the field and her dedication in the classroom.
While the Olympic training is her current priority, Gladieux is clear about her long-term vision. Whether in the classroom or on the field, she aims to use her skills to inspire and teach the next generation. “You don’t have your whole life to go to the Olympics,” she remarked, emphasizing the unique and fleeting nature of her current endeavor.