9th-grade figure skater Sophia Murrietta creates her own path
By Stefanie Contreras
At ASU Prep Digital, students are empowered to learn at their own pace and pursue their passions. The online school’s accredited programs and flexible schedule provide a supportive learning environment for student athletes like Sophia Murrietta, a ninth-grade scholar and competitive figure skater, who has chosen a path that fits her goals and lifestyle.
Finding the right learning environment
Sophia decided an online education would be the best fit for her academic and athletic aspirations. “I have a lot of friends who figure skate and even play hockey,” she shares. “We travel together for competitions as families and cheer each other on to the next great jump, spin and medals. Traditional school has not been comfortable for me and I heard about ASU Prep Digital from a friend at the rink where I practice.”
Her mother, Michelle Murrietta, recalls Sophia’s thorough research choosing the best online high school. “Sophia presented me with a PowerPoint presentation of the schools she researched, and at the end, she said her choice is ASU Prep Digital,” Michelle said. “How could I possibly say no?”
Sophia explains the transition to online learning required some adjustment. “Once we started, everything was easier on me and her. We are new in the high school program, and everyone is great. We really loved Stephanie Embery, my LSC in 8th grade.”
“It was truly a pleasure to be Sophia’s Learning Success Coach!” said Ms. Embery. “I was continually impressed by her ability to balance academic responsibilities with her dedication to ice skating—and to do so with such grace and determination. I’m excited for all that lies ahead for her as she begins her high school journey.”
ASU Prep Digital is giving me the freedom and flexibility, along with the education, to be a successful adult.”
Balancing academics and athletics
Sophia’s determination to be an ASU Prep Sun Devil mirrors her approach to figure skating. Michelle shared, “She went to public skate with neighborhood friends and really gravitated to the sport. She begged for about six months to join figure skating. Finally, I got her in the program. She was at one of the lowest levels but rose very quickly. She might fall 90 times on a new jump, but land it once and that feeling never goes away. As a parent, it’s hard to see them fall, but falling is the next step to LANDING! It’s like a graduation for a skill.”
Sophia’s family has a long connection to ASU: her mom, dad and grandfather are alumni, and Michelle is proud to see Sophia continuing the legacy. “My husband, Josh Murrietta, and I met at ASU. We’ve been together for about 30 years. He and Sophia have a very special relationship. His nickname for her is ‘the sorcerer.’ They are best buddies and love engineering furniture and cooking together. She’s also very close with all of her grandparents and cousins. ASU Prep Digital has given her more time to spend with family, and we are very thankful.”
Figure skating demands dedication, but Sophia balances her training with schoolwork to ensure she excels in both. “ASU Prep Digital is very easy to navigate and I’m getting better grades than ever,” she said. “The teachers are very responsive and helpful. At first, my mom was concerned about my social life, but it has actually blossomed. I have more time for my sport and my family life without troubling my parents with drop-off and pick-up lines at in-person school. We made an agreement that I need to run my own schedule to be successful; therefore I’m always in class, do homework 1–2 weeks in advance and schedule all of my own DBAs. I run this like a job!”
Michelle adds, “Honestly, I leave her alone about her schedule. The more I put her in charge, the more responsible she is.”
Guiding and gliding her own path
For student athletes considering online education, Sophia advises: “Find a passion and follow it. Sports are not for everyone, but to have the time to explore what we are great at is priceless. I would say do what’s right for you. For me, this totally works, and I can get college credits in high school. I can go to skate with my instructor in the middle of the day when everyone else is in school.”
Her mother agrees: “Every kid is different, but this works for us. She sets her own alarm, knows her skate schedule and started a side business. We spend a lot of time together watching movies and listening to music. We are going to a really cool concert together on Halloween. I remind myself all the time that I’m not actually the one on the rink doing the work. The same goes for all sports. When a child has ownership of their path, they feel empowered.”
Sophia hopes to pursue figure skating as far as she can, and she may have the option to graduate early from ASU Prep to follow her dreams. She is also interested in interior design. “I have an eye for it,” she says. “My Dad is in the business, and I have been building virtual homes for five years.”
Michelle expresses pride in Sophia’s growth: “My hope is her hope. If she is happy, I am happy. I stand by her 1000%. She has more talent in her pinky finger than I have in the fiber of my being. Not only is she a great daughter, but she is also a good sister. She is maturing mentally where we are all on a friendship level. I am so proud of her desire for her future. She has it all laid out and is planning in advance. She is very fiscally responsible and saves money. Most importantly, she is such a genuine person.”
Innovative online education for student athletes
Michelle explains why ASU Prep Digital is the best fit for Sophia: “She would refuse anything else! She likes the flexibility of the schedule. She can concentrate more on each class since she has more time to focus on what is expected of her. More importantly, she has created expectations of herself.”
Sophia adds, “ASU Prep Digital is giving me the freedom and flexibility along with the education to be a successful adult.”
ASU Prep Digital offers an accredited online school experience that combines asynchronous online classes, flexible scheduling and a student-centered learning environment for scholars and student athletes. From homeschooling options to self-paced online learning, students can balance academics, extracurriculars and training schedules while preparing for college and life beyond high school. Read about other successful students achieving athletic and academic excellence ASU Prep programs, including soccer star Matthew Tweedy and and the Schwickert twins, Mona and Mik, who are set on earning gold medals in swimming.
Ready to learn more about Arizona’s top online high school? Schedule a call with an advisor or join an info session to see how ASU Prep Digital can support your student in achieving academic excellence while pursuing their passions.