Santa Fe, New Mexico- Before the 2025 outdoor track and field season kicks off in New Mexico, we wanted to highlight a couple of athletes each week to build on the already strong community that we have, here in the Land of Enchantment.
Next, in our new series is St. Michaels' sprinter Sophia Miera who is one of the elite speedsters in New Mexico, and one of the most productive soccer players in the nation. She is committed to play soccer at Adams State next season. Here are the questions we asked her...
Q: What events do you compete in?
A: I compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, as well as the 400m relay, 800m relay, 1600m relay, and 1600m medley relay.
Q: What got you involved in track & field?
A: At first, I wanted to do track in order to stay in shape for soccer, and to meet new people. But, I had also been heavily influenced by an upperclassman, and close friend, from soccer.
Q: Any favorite memories during your high school career?
A: One of my favorite memories, during my high school career, was the State Championship meet my freshman year: I placed 6th in long jump, placed first in the 1600m relay, 800m relay, and the 1600m medley relay. We had also beat the state record in the 1600m Medley relay. More specifically though, my favorite race from that day was the 800m relay, because I was the anchor and a competitor from West Las Vegas received the handoff at the same time as me. We stayed side-by-side for the first 100 meters of the race, but I was able to pull away and finish first.
Q: Do you have a ritual or routine before you compete?
A: As I warm up, I make sure I have a piece of gum and my headphones in, trying to either calm my nerves or energize myself. Then, once I get to my blocks, I have my block holder punch my back several times or I do a handshake with my boyfriend. After that, I shake out and smack my legs, do two A-skips, one knee to chest jump and finally take in a big breath and repeat to myself "get out, go , finish."
Q: What are some of your goals for this upcoming season?
A: Obviously I would love to PR as well as qualify for state in all of my events again but my biggest personal goal is to hopefully break 60 seconds in the 400m dash.
Q: What is a necessity for you at a meet? AirPods, a certain snack, anything like that?
A: My Airpods are a must. I also always need applesauce and peanut butter crackers to keep me going.
Q: What are some of your go-to songs to get you in the right headspace for a meet?
A: "This could be us" by Rae Sremmurd, "All the stars" by Kendrick and Sza are my go-to songs when I need to get hype.
Q: Besides track & field, what are some things you enjoy?
A: Outside of track, and other sports, I really enjoy painting, baking, skiing/snowboarding and playing pickleball with my siblings.
Q: After a meet, how do you celebrate? Sleep, go to your favorite restaurant, what do you do?
A: Chick-fil-a always sounds good after a long meet, but I also must take a nap.
Q: What can people expect from your team this season?
A: We just want to compete this year as a team. Push each other to be better each time we are out there and run our races! Our goal, of course, is to win state but in order to do that we just have to take it one week at a time and put in the work.
