For the last two seasons, Kingsway Regional High junior field hockey goalie Sophia Mazzarella got to learn behind one of the best to ever suit up for the Dragons — Soren Kipphut. 

Kipphut, a 2024 USA Indoor National Team selection and current University of Virginia player, graduated from Kingsway a year early after securing back-to-back championships. 

She didn’t get to learn from Kipphut as a backup goalie, though. Instead, Mazzarella was a field player. With Kipphut’s early graduation, Mazzarella wanted to take on a new challenge — and she hasn’t disappointed. She’s allowed one goal or fewer in eight of the 13 games she’s played this season. 

“You want to talk about a kid who loves this team? It’s Soph Mazz,” coach Dana Ott said. “She stepped up and said ‘coach, I know we’re in need of a goalie, I want to step up and fill that void for us, and I’ll do whatever you need me to do.’ Well, that girl went to so many goalie clinics, she took her game to the next level. She was asking friends to shoot on her multiple times throughout the week.

“She just really has owned it. She looks like a goalie, she has become this goalie. It’s who she is now. I think it’s a testament to her and her drive to be better. She was a field player and sacrificed that for the betterment of the team.”

Get to know Mazzarella as correspondent Brian Tortella asked her some questions two weeks before the start of the state playoffs, where she’ll be looking to capture a third state championship. Our monthly Dragons Q&A is brought to you by The Hangry Vegetable Market, who we thank for sponsoring all of our Dragons coverage this fall!

Tortella: What was it like learning behind Soren Kipphut for the past two seasons and how has that helped you develop as a goalie?

Mazzarella: This is my first year being a goalie, so following in Soren’s footsteps was definitely a challenge. I used to be the one shooting on her, but I definitely took what she would do and have tried to apply it myself.

Tortella: As one of the top-ranked teams in the state, you’ve played and will continue to play a schedule filled with the region’s best scorers. How do you prepare for that each day?

Mazzarella: Every practice I make sure I do everything I can to strengthen my skills, but my talented teammates help me so much. I practice against the best, so I am ready to play against the best.

Tortella: Do you like your chances at ‘three-peating’?

Mazzarella: Definitely. I am sure we can make it. We have a great group of girls and we have come to work really well together.

Tortella: What do you like most about head coach Dana Ott and assistant Jennie Hara?

Mazzarella: They challenge me to be the best athlete I can be each and every day.

Tortella: What’s so special about Kingsway? How do you think the Dragons are able to have such success in nearly every sport?

Mazzarella: I think that the environment and family dynamic definitely helps — not only our teams, but our fans as well. Our teams have so much support behind them and I think that makes such a difference.

Tortella: What’s your favorite memory playing sports?

Mazzarella: Celebrating winning states with my team two years in a row.

Tortella: What do you believe is the greatest challenge most high school athletes are facing today?

Mazzarella: I think that the greatest challenge is the stress and workload of being both a student and a student-athlete where your expectations are extremely high.

Tortella: What would you tell your freshman self if you could go back to your first day of high school and give her some advice?

Mazzarella: To make the most of every experience and opportunity you have. Enjoy your friendships and don’t take them for granted.

Tortella: If you could pick three people to have dinner with (alive or dead), who would you choose?

Mazzarella: I’m honestly not sure my top 3, but I know the number one person would by my best friend’s mom, Mrs. Solina. She was always my biggest supporter and inspiration.

Tortella: What’s some hobbies you have outside of sports?

Mazzarella: Outside of sports, I absolutely love art. It is my favorite way to unwind and separate myself from the stressors.

Tortella: What’s your favorite pre-game hype song?

Mazzarella: First Person Shooter (by Drake). 

Tortella: Favorite Artist?

Mazzarella: Zach Bryan.

Tortella: What’s your favorite bus ride snack?

Mazzarella: Goldfish!

Tortella: What’s your favorite food?

Mazzarella: Fettuccine Alfredo.

Tortella: Best friend on the team?

Mazzarella: I love all of the girls and I am so thankful that I can call them all my sisters.

Tortella: What do you think the main difference is between field hockey and lacrosse?

Mazzarella: I would say both translate very well with each other, but the positioning and contact definitely are the biggest differences between the two.

Tortella: What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next 5 to 10 years?

Mazzarella: I plan on going to college and majoring in art education. My goal is to be able to share my love for art with others in hopes that it can help them the way that it helps me. 

Tortella: What’s your favorite part about Kingsway? It’s one of the biggest schools in the region. Do you ever get overwhelmed? 

Mazzarella: I love the amount of people at Kingsway. Although it can be stressful at times, I love the opportunities to socialize that come with having such a large population. As a very outgoing person, I love having so many people to be friends with.

NOTES: Kingsway has a 9-4 record with a perfect 7-0 mark in Tri-County Conference Royal Division competition. The Dragons most recently defeated Williamstown 11-0, on senior night on Monday. The Dragons will face a tough test as they travel to reigning Group 3 state finalist North Hunterdon on Wednesday.

Contact Brian Tortella: btortreportssj@gmail.com.