German Exchange Student Catches Final Pass in Her First Season of American Football at Elyria High

On the final play of the final game, Elyria High School junior Sophia Alt hauled in a pass at the 43 yard line and picked up several yards before a Midview defender brought her down. The catch did not score and did not change the result, as the JV Pioneers lost to the Middies 14-30. For Sophia, though, it was a moment she will not forget.

"I saw him throwing that ball, and I was like, 'Okay, Sophia, you need to catch that ball.' I caught it, and I was like, 'Okay, what do I do now?' I started running and got tackled. It was such an amazing feeling being able to catch that ball," she said.

Sophia is 16 and comes from Germany. A few months ago, she knew neither the rules of American football nor anyone in Elyria. She arrived in August for what was planned as a half year abroad, but she has since decided to stay and complete her junior year at Elyria High. "I saw a lot of movies at home about American high schools, and so far, I really like it here," she said.

She is living with the family of Brent Parker, an Elyria parent and member of the board of education. He said she has blended in well with his household. "Sophia's fit right in with the family. She hangs out with the girls, they do their girl thing, and she's now actually going to stay through the end of the year," Parker said.

During her first months in the United States, the Parkers have taken her to Cleveland's waterfront, on roller coasters at Kings Island, and to a Buckeye football game in Columbus. It was the Friday night atmosphere at Ely Stadium that gave her a new goal. "I just wanted to make the same experience being on that field, getting tackled or catching a ball," she said.

Her interest in playing surprised her host family, who were initially concerned about how hard the sport hits. After talking it over with Sophia and her mother in Germany, they agreed to let her try. When Sophia asked the head coach partway through the season, he gave her a place on the JV team. She practiced, suited up for games and played a few minutes in several of them.

She credited her teammates and coaches for making the experience positive, and said the team made sure she caught the last throw of the season. "People are just supporting me, screaming and being so happy for me. It was awesome," she said.

Parker said Sophia has become part of the family and that hosting her has introduced them to a new culture. She has been teaching them German, and they are already talking about visiting her once she returns home. He hopes she leaves with a good impression of the community. "I hope she takes away that the U.S., Elyria, we're a bunch of good people and we support each other," he said. "If you want to try something, try it."

Sophia offered similar advice. "Every person that has a dream and wants to try something new, they should definitely do it no matter what happens. You'll always have a person who's going to support you," she said. Beyond football, she has also played volleyball for Elyria and plans to join the wrestling and flag football teams in the winter and spring.