Northwestern University Athletics
Dear Northwestern: Sophia Miller
6/27/2018 2:11:00β―PM | Field Hockey
Dear Northwestern,
Β
From the outside looking in, people see you as an elite university where scholars from around the world come to study and receive a degree that can lead to limitless possibilities. As a graduating senior now looking back on the last four years, I can say that this is just a small part of what the wildcat experience is all about.
Β
As a student-athlete who arrived on campus in September of 2014, I had no idea the challenges, successes, friendships, adventures, and wisdom that would come of my time on campus. What makes Northwestern so special is the people, and it's time to recognize those who made my experience second to none.
Β
First, I'd like to recognize my teammates who made this journey not only bearable but also endlessly entertaining. Someone once said, "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance." This pretty much sums up the way my teammates, also my best friends, contributed to my time at Northwestern. Being a student-athlete requires not only 20+ hour weeks of practicing, running, and lifting but also endless amounts of studying in the intense, short-lived quarters Northwestern so kindly systematizes for its students. Outside of this rigid schedule that is predetermined each and every week, the moments of laughter and joy I shared with my friends are no doubt the ones that helped me get through and the ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Β
Leaving home for college means leaving your family and friends who were there for you since birth. While this may seem like a frightening concept, I can gladly confirm that my group of friends and peers I got to know so well since freshman year became my second family that I learned to love and rely on. Many people who go to an elite school like Northwestern are over-achievers who may think they can accomplish or do anything on their own merit. This is the mentality I had most of freshman year when I felt alone or scared when I was faced with a challenge in the classroom, on the field, or in life. The most valuable lesson I've learned at Northwestern is that no one on this earth can accomplish anything of value without the sharing of knowledge and good will with others. The Northwestern family I've gained not only made this experience endurable, but they filled it with intangible love, humor, and optimism that allowed me to access a part of myself I didn't know was there.
Β
Second, I'd like to thank my coaches and athletic staff for being the glue that holds Northwestern Athletics in place. If I'm being biased, I undoubtedly consider the staff that NU Athletics has to be the best of the best when it comes to character and professionalism. From recruitment to the end of my career at Northwestern, I have had the privilege of dealing with people who truly care about the athletic and academic well-being of the student-athletes Northwestern produces. Through both the best and worst of times in my career, I always knew the people working in Anderson Hall and the other athletic offices would be there for support.
Β
Finally, I'd like to thank both my family and all the families of Northwestern student-athletes who have provided me and my peers the opportunity to attend this institution. Without your grace and wisdom from childhood up until now, none of this would have been feasible.
Β
The biggest take-away I can share to everyone reading this is that Northwestern is indeed an amazing place where admirable people are nurtured and born β but one cannot make it to the end alone. Every single encounter with another human being along the course of the last four years has given me strength and confidence to endure whatever was thrown my way, on and off the field. My family, teammates, coaches, athletic department staff, professors, and even my freshman year T.A. group members all contributed immense support and guidance to help me walk across the stage at Weinberg convocation.
Β
There are no words to describe the gratitude I have for the experiences and relationships Northwestern has given me, and I cannot begin to explain how thankful I am to now consider myself a Northwestern Alum.
Β
Always and forever, Go 'Cats!
Β
Sincerely,
Β
Sophia Miller
Β
Β
Β
Β
From the outside looking in, people see you as an elite university where scholars from around the world come to study and receive a degree that can lead to limitless possibilities. As a graduating senior now looking back on the last four years, I can say that this is just a small part of what the wildcat experience is all about.
Β
As a student-athlete who arrived on campus in September of 2014, I had no idea the challenges, successes, friendships, adventures, and wisdom that would come of my time on campus. What makes Northwestern so special is the people, and it's time to recognize those who made my experience second to none.
Β
First, I'd like to recognize my teammates who made this journey not only bearable but also endlessly entertaining. Someone once said, "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance." This pretty much sums up the way my teammates, also my best friends, contributed to my time at Northwestern. Being a student-athlete requires not only 20+ hour weeks of practicing, running, and lifting but also endless amounts of studying in the intense, short-lived quarters Northwestern so kindly systematizes for its students. Outside of this rigid schedule that is predetermined each and every week, the moments of laughter and joy I shared with my friends are no doubt the ones that helped me get through and the ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Β
Leaving home for college means leaving your family and friends who were there for you since birth. While this may seem like a frightening concept, I can gladly confirm that my group of friends and peers I got to know so well since freshman year became my second family that I learned to love and rely on. Many people who go to an elite school like Northwestern are over-achievers who may think they can accomplish or do anything on their own merit. This is the mentality I had most of freshman year when I felt alone or scared when I was faced with a challenge in the classroom, on the field, or in life. The most valuable lesson I've learned at Northwestern is that no one on this earth can accomplish anything of value without the sharing of knowledge and good will with others. The Northwestern family I've gained not only made this experience endurable, but they filled it with intangible love, humor, and optimism that allowed me to access a part of myself I didn't know was there.
Β
Second, I'd like to thank my coaches and athletic staff for being the glue that holds Northwestern Athletics in place. If I'm being biased, I undoubtedly consider the staff that NU Athletics has to be the best of the best when it comes to character and professionalism. From recruitment to the end of my career at Northwestern, I have had the privilege of dealing with people who truly care about the athletic and academic well-being of the student-athletes Northwestern produces. Through both the best and worst of times in my career, I always knew the people working in Anderson Hall and the other athletic offices would be there for support.
Β
Finally, I'd like to thank both my family and all the families of Northwestern student-athletes who have provided me and my peers the opportunity to attend this institution. Without your grace and wisdom from childhood up until now, none of this would have been feasible.
Β
The biggest take-away I can share to everyone reading this is that Northwestern is indeed an amazing place where admirable people are nurtured and born β but one cannot make it to the end alone. Every single encounter with another human being along the course of the last four years has given me strength and confidence to endure whatever was thrown my way, on and off the field. My family, teammates, coaches, athletic department staff, professors, and even my freshman year T.A. group members all contributed immense support and guidance to help me walk across the stage at Weinberg convocation.
Β
There are no words to describe the gratitude I have for the experiences and relationships Northwestern has given me, and I cannot begin to explain how thankful I am to now consider myself a Northwestern Alum.
Β
Always and forever, Go 'Cats!
Β
Sincerely,
Β
Sophia Miller
Β
β’β’β’β’β’β’
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!Β
Β
Players Mentioned
B
/ Field HockeyField Hockey - Back-to-back. πππππππππ. π 2025 NCAA Final Cinematic Recap
Tuesday, December 09
Field Hockey - Wildcats Repeat as National Champs with 2OT Game-Winner over Princeton (11/29/25)
Sunday, November 23
Field Hockey - With π‘πππ«π. NCAA Semifinal Cinematic Recap (11/21/25)
Sunday, November 23
Field Hockey - βCats Topple No. 1 UNC 4-3 in Overtime, Clinch Fifth Straight Title Appearance
Friday, November 21
