Alumni Spotlight: Sophia Baugh
From North Kitsap to Point Loma Volleyball All-American
When it comes to volleyball training and player development, few stories are as inspiring as Sophia Baugh’s. Raised in Poulsbo, Washington, Sophia grew from a driven local athlete into an elite college setter making headlines with Point Loma Nazarene University’s volleyball program. Her journey – from high school gyms to the NCAA Elite Eight – is a blueprint for volleyball setter development, leadership, and community spirit. This alumni spotlight shines a light on how Sophia’s confident mindset and relentless work ethic propelled her from Kitsap’s courts to one of the top NCAA DII setters in the country.
Early Training Roots and Club Success
Sophia’s story begins in the tight-knit volleyball community of Kitsap County. As a young player, she competed with the DaKine Warriors club, where she took her game to the next level. The 5’9” setter became known for a fast-paced, creative style – consistently putting her hitters in great positions to score while maintaining rock-solid consistency. Her time with DaKine included a standout finish at nationals, helping her team earn 3rd in the 16 National division of the 2022 Girls Junior National Championships. This early club training laid the foundation for her setter IQ and leadership.
Highlights of Sophia’s Training Foundation:
Club Volleyball with DaKine Warriors: Developed sharp court vision, fast offense execution, and a competitive edge that set her apart.
Early Recognition: Quickly identified as one of the top setters in Washington state thanks to her ability to command the court and elevate teammates.
Mindset for Growth: Embraced every challenge with the grit and consistency that define elite volleyball development.
Dominating the High School Volleyball Scene
All that early training translated into an elite high school career at North Kitsap High. Sophia quickly became one of Washington’s standout players, leading her team to back-to-back league championships and earning a long list of accolades. She was a two-time First Team All-State setter, a league MVP, and even Female Athlete of the Year, dominating at the state level. In her senior season alone, she tallied over 700 assists along with hundreds of digs, kills, aces, and blocks – a testament to her all-around skill. Coaches and teammates noticed not just her talent, but her leadership on the court.
High School Achievements:
2× First Team All-State Setter – Recognized among the very best in Washington state.
League MVP & Female Athlete of the Year – Honored for outstanding performance and leadership in her region.
2× League Champion – Led North Kitsap to consecutive league titles through skill and sheer will on the court.
Statistical Leader – Posted 731 assists in her senior year, alongside 300+ digs and other stats that underscore her versatility.
By graduation, Sophia had become the gold standard for what a high school setter could achieve, especially coming from a smaller community.
College Recruiting and the Jump to Point Loma Volleyball
With such a stellar high school resume, Sophia’s college recruiting journey was filled with opportunities. She ultimately chose Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego – a decision guided by both ambition and heart. “The moment I stepped onto Point Loma’s campus, I knew I belonged here,” Sophia said. “The campus felt like a dream, the coaching staff were very intentional, and the girls were incredibly welcoming … I wanted to grow my relationship with the Lord in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.”
Joining the Point Loma volleyball team, Sophia quickly proved she was more than ready for the college level. She earned the starting setter role early in her freshman season and continued to build her reputation through stellar court awareness and team leadership. Her college coach, Jonathan Scott, noted Sophia’s unique blend of being “fun-loving and extremely competitive at the same time,” a balance that helped her gel with teammates and face challenges head-on.
Shining as a Point Loma Volleyball Star
Once at Point Loma, Sophia Baugh’s impact was immediate and lasting. In her first season, she led the Sea Lions in assists and earned AVCA All-American Honorable Mention – a rare honor for a freshman. By her second and third seasons, she twice earned First Team All-PacWest Conference and established herself as one of the top setters on the West Coast. She currently leads the entire NCAA West Region in assists per set (11.4). Her junior year saw her notch a remarkable achievement: 67 assists in a single match, a PacWest Conference record for 2025. It’s no surprise she earned PacWest Player of the Week honors three times in one season.
Sophia Baugh (#13) runs the Point Loma offense with precision, delivering a fast set to her hitter. Her court awareness and quick decision-making have been key to the Sea Lions’ success.
Beyond the stats and awards, Sophia stands out for her mindset as a leader. “What feels best about my game is the trust that I’ve built with both my passers and my hitters,” she says. “Demanding more from someone is one skill, but being able to take that same demand and use it to get better is a whole different skill. That is something I’m truly proud of in my game.”
Under her guidance, the Sea Lions recently captured their first NCAA regional title and earned a spot in the national Elite Eight – a milestone Sophia calls “a dream in progress.” Her competitive fire and emotional intelligence have fueled both her own growth and her team’s rise.
Looking Ahead
As she enters her senior year, Sophia Baugh is focused on finishing strong – both academically and athletically. She’s pursuing a degree in Graphic Design/Marketing while continuing to lead Point Loma toward a national title. Her story is one of heart, hard work, and humility. From her early days in Washington to dominating the court in California, Sophia has shown that with vision, discipline, and the right mindset, incredible things are possible.
Keep an eye on Sophia – she’s just getting started.