The world of professional sports has always served as a pass time and a step away from the real world. It seems that no matter how bad things can be within our community or the troubles we may face day to day, the world of sports is always able to take us away, even if its only for a few hours. However, throughout the course of professional sports the fan favourites and true heroes have always been the athletes who are able to shine their light on the darkness of our society. For the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars power forward Sophia Young, being a superstar far exceeds excellence on the basketball court.
Young was born in Saint Vincent, West Indies and moved to the United States as an exchange student when she was 15-years old. After a successful high school career she attended Baylor University and helped lead the team to a 2005 National Championship, as well as being honored with the Most Outstanding Player Award. Selected fourth overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by San Antonio, Young went on to lead the Silver Stars in both scoring and rebounding, and was one of four rookies selected to that year’s All-Star Game. A dominant and effective player on the court, her work within the community and with children in crisis has been just as, if not more, outstanding than her magic in clutch time.
Sophia Young has been vocal and proud about her involvement with the Roy Maas Youth Alternatives Inc. The Foundation, which is proudly visible throughout Sophia’s website – www.sophiayoungblog.com – is dedicated to improving the lives of troubled or abused children, giving them opportunity for success and a better life. By offering counseling centers, emergency shelters, long term plan and shelters in the San Antonio area, the foundation offers children an escape from the harsh reality they may face. Sophia’s role within the foundation has been more than extraordinary, as she has participated and offered countless hours of her time to these children who have faced realities many of us cant begin to imagine. She has treated some of the care centers young ladies to a shopping spree, assists in annual fashion shows and spends countless hours during the off season helping out as much as she can and it shows as she has helped put a smile on so many young faces.
Sophia, alongside the Roy Maas Youth Alternative Inc., also focus on building a positive foundation based on respect and responsibility while giving kids a chance to fulfill their dreams and live a happy successful life. Not only does Sophia work with and provide care for the children residing with Youth Alternative,but she also provides a blog post on her website called ‘Food For Thought’; which provides words of wisdom and encouragement written and posted by Young herself. By providing positive Bible passages and short but meaningful thoughts of a joyful life, she is constantly connecting with her fans and admirers on much more than a basketball oriented level.
Like so many great athletes who work for the community in and out of the gym, Sophia Young has shown why she is a true Silver Star and what can be achieved when darkness is over come by the light.
To keep up with Sophia’s blogs and messages of hope, visit www.sophiayoungblog.com
For more information on Roy Maas Youth Alternative Inc., visit http://www.rmya.org/index.html
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