The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Sophia Rodriguez | U20 8k Trail World Championship Pre-Race Interview
Sep 27, 2025
Sophia Rodriguez, an U20 Team USA trail and cross-country runner aiming for a professional career, shares her journey from soccer to the trails. She details the influence of her family, especially her dad, on her running path. Sophia discusses her training in Mercer Island, adapting to mountain races, and the importance of consistency in improving her performance. She reflects on qualifying for the U20 team, her memorable UTMB experience, and the excitement of racing with family support. Ambitious yet humble, she's ready to tackle the U20 8K with her team's support.
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From Soccer Kid To Passionate Runner
- Sophia switched from soccer to running after training with her dad and trying to keep up with her sister.
- She fell in love with running and made it her primary passion.
Early Trail Runs With Dad
- Sophia's dad took her to trails early on, running around lakes in Pennsylvania once or twice a week.
- She also experimented on the track with 400s and 600s while still playing soccer.
Youth Growth Driven By Mountain Access
- Sophia notes youth trail running now often comes from mountain states where trails are accessible.
- She sees a growing generation of teens entering trail sport with diverse backgrounds.