RR's Smith heads to Texas, joins Sting Austin Club

RIO RANCHO — Just months removed from a run to the title game, Rio Rancho girls soccer is losing a key piece. 

Not due to injury or even graduation, but via an awesome opportunity for a young talent.

Rams striker Sophia Smith will be joining Sting Austin, a soccer academy in Texas, playing in a competitive club field in one of the top soccer markets in the country.

“My dad looked up the local teams and emailed the coaches, then my dad sent the coaches my highlights,” Smith said. “The coach held two separate training sessions to evaluate me, and she offered me a position on the team.”

Sophia joins Sting as a result of the Smith family relocating to the Lone Star State, but while the family's move was not centered around soccer, it may be a big step for Smith’s future on the pitch.

“It's a big step towards my goal of playing professional soccer,” she said.

The sophomore speedster had a breakout season this past fall, finishing second on Rio in goals with 14, including the go-ahead goal in the state semifinal to punch the Rams’ ticket to UNM Soccer Complex.

Now, with everything being bigger in Texas, so are the opportunities at the club level.

“This team (Sting Austin) plays the best teams in the country,” Smith said. “Sting Austin travels everywhere to play. Club is better than high school in bringing the intensity and ball control.”

Rio Rancho will now be losing two of its top three goal scorers from last season, with Kieara Trujillo-Garcia headed to the college level. The Rams will also be losing a top runner in the spring, with Smith garnering attention last year as a freshman for Rio Rancho track.

But most importantly, above the soccer turf and track lanes, Smith will miss the connections made during her time as a Ram the most.

“I miss my high school team in Rio Rancho. I hope I can make good connections on my new high school team,” Smith said. “I am very sad that I left my friends, and it is just not the same without my best friend Adi,” Smith said. “But in the end, it is better not only for me but also for my parents.”

Smith will continue to play high school soccer alongside her time in club, as her first season in Texas awaits next fall after this upcoming spring and summer with Sting.

“I'm looking forward to playing the best teams in the country,” Smith said. “Getting national-level experience and exposure to the top college programs.”