College of Health’s Sophia Covello Graduates Despite Early Setbacks

As the starting point guard for the ISU women’s basketball team, her time at ISU hasn't always been easy. After tearing her ACL in her first season, she was sidelined and unable to play alongside her teammates. Despite the injury, and being far from her friends and family in California, she remained committed, attending practices and building relationships with her team. The experience was difficult, but it ultimately strengthened her bond with her teammates, who she now considers her second family. 

“It was not a fun injury, it was my biggest challenge both physically and mentally to go through at 19," Covello said. "I was moving here from California, it was my freshman year, I was away from everyone, my family, and I couldn’t do the sport that I came here to do. It was really hard, but I got through it.”  

Covello was able to find balance between academics and athletics with impressive dedication. A lifelong athlete, she’s always thrived in team environments. Not only is she talented at basketball, she was also a talented soccer player, although had to give that up to pursue basketball further. This wasn’t a hard decision as her basketball teammates kept her motivated and focused, reinforcing her passion for the game and commitment to her goals. This is true for her in her academic world as well. Covello says that the discipline that sports has taught her, is how she is able to stay so focused and organized. 

Originally from Roseville, California, the student-athlete attended Woodcreek High School. She was recruited during her junior year, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite the uncertainty, Idaho State University remained consistent in their outreach, which was something that stood out to her compared to other programs. After visiting the Pocatello campus, she was drawn by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of community. One aspect she especially appreciates is the “Grandparents Club,” a group of local community members who support student-athletes by bringing them meals and cheering them on at games.

Balancing basketball, travel, and a demanding academic schedule is no small feat. When asked how she was able to manage it all, she credits her success to staying organized and maintaining a sharp focus. Even while traveling for games, she prioritizes her studies, resisting the temptation to let schoolwork slide. For her, basketball comes first, but class time is just as important. She plans out each week in advance, making sure she stays on top of everything.

When asksed why she chose to study occupational therapy, Covello explains that she was drawn to the field because it helps people find meaning in their lives and gain greater independence. She’s currently enrolled in ISU’s accelerated Occupational Therapy program, which allows her to transition directly into the master’s program after earning her undergraduate degree. Thanks to a scholarship that provides five years of athletic eligibility, she will have two years of graduate school covered, giving her the opportunity to pursue her passion without financial pressure.

One of Covello's favorite parts of her education so far was a class assignment that challenged students to pick an occupation they had never done before and document their experience throughout the semester. She chose photography and quickly fell in love with it. What started as a class project has now become a hobby she plans to continue. Covello also credits her professors and classmates for their unwavering support. They’ve worked around her travel schedule and even attend her home games to cheer her on.

When asked what advice she would give to incoming student-athletes, she doesn’t hesitate.

"Freshman year is the toughest, but it’s important to stay committed to the process. Balancing travel and academics can be challenging, especially when it's tempting to let assignments slip while on the road, but staying focused makes all the difference."

Covello also emphasizes the importance of being a strong team player, both on and off the court. "Learning to communicate effectively with teammates, classmates, and professors is key to succeeding as a student-athlete," she added.

As she prepares to begin her master’s program, Covello is looking forward to her first level of fieldwork with ISU’s disability services office. Later, during the second level, she’ll have the chance to specialize and she already knows her focus will be pediatrics. Inspired by her mom, a speech therapist who has worked with children for years, Covello hopes to return to California after graduation and pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy. Through her mother’s work, she’s already had experience interacting with children in therapeutic settings, which has only deepened her passion for the field.