7 days a week on the soccer field is normal for 22-year-old Sophie Shrader; she dedicates her time to train young individuals in Lithia to excel at the sport and loves every second of it.  Shrader once played for the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa as a midfielder, but now has invested her passion and time into her company: Shrader Athletics.

The company began during the pandemic when she noticed a demand for youth exercise—something she cares a lot about.

Matthew Morton’s boys practice with Shrader weekly, and he feels she provides effective feedback, so his sons continue to improve in games. He was even impressed that she made time during her practice sessions to attend one of his son’s games to take notes and provide constructive feedback.  

Shrader’s major was Exercise Science, and as an athlete, she continues to learn more about health, nutrition, and exercise. She remembers the importance of safety in her practices at UT. For instance, there was an in-depth amount of tracking that her coaches maintained for the players. The players would wear heart monitors and trackers to see how far and fast they were running. She explained how these devices can provide more information about athletes and prevent injuries. She feels that sports/exercise technology can benefit young athletes and feels it will continue to be more popular as sports clubs continue to increase in numbers.

Shrader maintains her coaching/training business in the Fishhawk community where she grew up. Soccer has always been a part of her life, and she remembers practicing with her brother, Spencer Shrader, who once was a kicker for USF and now plays with Notre Dame.

Interestingly, at the start of Shrader Athletics, she mostly had girls to coach and inspire.  Now her schedule is balanced with both boys and girls who are ecstatic to practice with her. One of her coaches, Jordan Lala, who once played outfield for the University of Miami and UT works with kids and teens who are training for baseball. She is delighted and humble that her business continues to expand in different areas of recreational and competitive sports.