PORTLAND, Ore. --- When it came time to choose a university, Oregon midfielder Sophie Nordyke looked for a place that would sustain the holistic personal growth she started at Sunset High School.

For the past two years, Nordyke has helped control the midfield for an Apollos girls' soccer team that has reached the Division 6A State Final in back-to-back seasons. But her accomplishments away from the pitch are just as impressive, as Nordyke has balanced strong academics with additional student government and yearbook staff responsibilities.

Now that her time at Sunset is nearing a conclusion, Nordyke has committed to Biola to take steps toward a nursing degree and the Eagles' women's soccer program has welcomed her onto the team to utilize her leadership and playoff experience.

"Sophie is a steady holding midfielder who brings a calm presence to the field," said Head Coach Erin Brunelle. "She is a strong passer who is able to switch the point of attack quickly and distribute well out of the midfield.  And she absolutely loves Biola, so we look forward to the many ways the Biola community will help her grow on and off of the field."

In addition to helping the Apollos to a 16-3-1 record in 2017 and two state finals appearances, Nordyke won four state championships in seven years of club soccer with FC Portland Academy. She was an All-Metro League scholar athlete every year in high school and also has membership in the National Honors Society.

"I chose Biola because when I came to campus I could tell that there was something very unique about the community," said Nordyke. "The students genuinely care about each other and are passionate, not just about academics, but growing individually and in faith as well. I could not be more excited to be an Eagle!"

Nordyke will join her new teammates in August for preseason training. You can see the rest of Biola's incoming recruiting class on the Committed Athletes page.