OUTTA HERE: Santinelli sends one deep into the outfield.
Photo Courtesy of Ben McHale ’28
Senior captain Sophia Santinelli ‘26 has been a fundamental part of Episcopal Academy’s varsity softball program over the past four years; leading the team with her standout performances and unwavering dedication to her teammates.
Over the course of her career, Santinelli has recorded more than 100 hits and led the team in batting average for the past three consecutive seasons, and is eager to achieve her fourth. Co-Captain Domique Barrist ’27 describes her as “an exceptional competitor who shows up every single day giving 100%,” and regards her as one of the best players she’s had the privilege of playing alongside; emphasizing that Santinelli sets the standard and pushes everyone on the field to give it their all.
Sophia’s softball journey began when she was just six years old. Her commitment, determination, and confidence have carried her through the years and shaped her into the player she is today.
Before every game, Santinelli maintains consistent routines to make sure she is mentally focused and physically prepared. As she explains, “I always do my arm care before I throw, I throw with the exact same person in the exact same spot, and the amount of throws and swings I take is always the same number.” For Santinelli, her carefully scripted pregame ritual is as important as any pitch she throws once the game begins.
During games, Santinelli is the type of player every coach can lean on; the heartbeat of the infield, owning the shortstop position with confidence and leadership. Her Coach, Middle School mathematics teacher; Kylie Straub, highlights her ability to think beyond herself: “As a shortstop, she has to think, ‘Okay, what’s the next play? What’s everyone else doing? What do I have to do next?’ She is not always thinking about what she needs to do; it’s what everyone else needs to do.” That awareness is evident during gameplay, where Santinelli serves as the infielder’s communicator, calling plays, directing teammates, and ensuring defensive alignment.
Santinelli’s ability to combine technical skill with leadership and awareness makes her not only a standout player but also a true leader. She truly is a player who creates an impact during every game. As co-captain Sofia Foulds ‘26, who has known Santinelli since she was eleven, adds, “She’s a lefty, and she has a beautiful swing, and she is also a great defender, just all around she’s a great player.” Her all-around ability and leadership on the field continue to set her apart as one of the most impactful players in the program.
Santinelli’s impact on EA softball goes far beyond the statistics alone. Her leadership, consistency, and work ethic have helped the team grow into what it is today, setting a standard for the future of the EA softball program. Straub reflects on her growth, saying, “I remember watching her playing her freshman year and thinking, wow, I can’t believe we have three more seasons with her.” Her coach adds, “And now I can’t believe it’s the last one. I’m super sad, but we’re super excited to see what she’s going to do at Syracuse University.”
Looking ahead, Santinelli is equally excited to take the next step in her academic and athletic career at Syracuse, embracing the opportunity to compete at the Division I collegiate level, stating, “I’m so excited for the competition in college. Every game is going to be a great, competitive game, and that’s going to make it so much.” As her time at EA comes to a close, Santinelli leaves behind a standard of excellence, leadership, and commitment that is defined not only by her performance on the field but also by her role in shaping the program’s identity.