Those not familiar with redshirt sophomore midfielder Sophie Metz should get to know her. Metz has become a rising star for the San Diego State Women’s soccer team this season.

With a must-win mentality, Metz is one of the driving forces behind SDSU’s successful soccer program.

“I’m a very competitive person and I don’t like to lose,” Metz said.

Metz began her love affair with soccer at the age of four. As the second youngest of five, she began playing soccer after watching her older siblings play.

“I definitely looked up to my older siblings and wanted to do whatever they did,” Metz said.

As captain of the Foothill High School soccer team, Metz led her team to a No. 1 national ranking in ESPN RISE Fab 50 Rankings in 2008. That same year, she was recognized as one of the top 100 prep athletes in the Bay Area. Her success on the field didn’t stop there. Metz captained her club team, Pleasanton Rage, to a pair of regional championships in 2007 and 2009 while finishing third at nationals both seasons.

In 2009, she enrolled at UCLA and began her college soccer career. As a freshman, Metz played 19 games and helped the Bruins reach the Final Four. However, by the end of the season, she decided to part ways with the organization.

“UCLA is a big-time school and I wasn’t enjoying myself,” she said. “When I got the opportunity to transfer to SDSU, I took it. I love the girls and coaching staff. I have no regrets about my decision.”

Since Metz’s debut wearing the red and black, she has surpassed expectations. So far this season, she has played in every game and notched a total of two goals and two assists.

In recognition of her recent outstanding offensive efforts in games against TCU and Texas, Metz was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week.

Two days later, she landed on the Soccer America Team of the Week. Metz is the seventh player in SDSU history to achieve this honor.

“It was very exciting to be awarded both honors,” Metz said. “I didn’t expect it at all. All the hard work I’m putting in is finally paying off.”

With two years remaining in her collegiate career, this is just a glimpse into the promising future that awaits Metz.

“I’m looking forward to developing more as a player and creating more memories with my teammates,” Metz said. “SDSU has never won a Conference championship so it would be cool to be part of a team that did.”