Sophie Dandola Talks to FPN About Transferring to Syracuse
We were able to catch up with pitcher Sophie Dandola who recently decided to transfer from Hofstra to Syracuse.
Dandola went 18-5 with a 1.88 ERA earning all All-Region second team honors and was a Top 25 finalist for Freshman of the Year. Dandola helped Hofstra win the CAA Tournament championship game over James Madison as Dandola was named the CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player. She was not done throwing the program’s first-ever perfect game in a win over UNCG at NCAA tournament and the Columbia Regional.
Dandola talks to Fastpitch News Exclusively about her decision to transfer to Syracuse and more.
Fastpitch News (FPN): What led you to decide to transfer to Syracuse?
Sophie Dandola: “Towards the end of my Freshman season, I felt that I needed a bigger challenge and was leaning towards transferring. So, once the season ended and I was granted a release, I put out some “feelers” and received some great responses from conferences all across the country. Like my first time verbaling, I wanted to make sure that I explored all of my options and criteria for making the right choice.”
FPN: How many schools did you look at during the process?
Dandola: “I received a lot of interest and knew I had to choose in the coming weeks. At a certain point, I decided on a handful of schools based on my criteria. I was able to speak to several coaches over the phone and had some great conversations with them. I knew what I wanted so after some visits; I was able to narrow it down. I did have an unbelievable experience visiting another school, but after visiting Syracuse, I felt it was the perfect fit for me both athletically, academically and geographically. I wanted a bigger school, a more challenging conference in the ACC, and also good academics. After my visit to the campus and speaking with Coach Bosch and Coach Kramer, I felt that not only was the school a good fit but I felt comfortable and confident with the coaches to push me to whole new level. I also look forward to living at a larger campus and experiencing the Carrier Dome for Football and Basketball games. I plan on working super hard and pushing myself harder than last season to help the team as best I can. ”
FPN: Who Helped you through the Process?
Dandola: “Getting through the transfer process was not all that easy since there are so many things that you need to consider, But, with the help of my family, and making up lists of the pros and cons of each school, we were able to get through it and make an educated choice in the end.”
FPN: What was interaction like with Assistant coach Miranda Kramer? How do you think the success she found as a pitcher can help you?
Dandola: “During my visit to Syracuse, I spent the entire day with Coach Kramer. We talked about my goals and aspirations as well as the team’s goals for the upcoming season. I liked her coaching style, and I think she can get me to where I want to be. Knowing how much success Coach Kramer has had in her collegiate career and her pro league career, I am super excited to work with her.”
FPN: When we last spoke, you talked about your desire to enter sports broadcasting and how you looked up to what Jessica Mendoza has done at ESPN as well as other media people. Syracuse is well-known for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications which is the Orange’s Communication school and regarded as one of the best in the country. It has produced some of best Sportscasters ever with the likes of Bob Costas, Mike Tirico, Marv Albert, and Beth Mowins. How much of an influence was the tradition that Syracuse has in sports broadcasting and journalism have on your decision?
Dandola: “The incredible tradition of the Syracuse alumni in broadcasting is unbelievable and was definitely part of my decision. I am excited at the possibility to explore their broadcasting and communications school and follow the tradition of previous alums.”
FPN: Who are your favorite Pro Athletes currently and team. Are you a Yankee and Aaron Judge fan?
Dandola: “I’m a huge Yankee fan, and of course Aaron Judge is my current favorite Yankee. But, Serena Williams is my ultimate favorite athlete for her drive, her work ethic and her complete competitiveness she shows on the court. Sometimes I think of her before games to get me motivated.”
FPN: Your last win at Hofstra was historic as you threw a Perfect Game in an NCAA Tournament elimination game vs. UNCW at the Columbia Regional and you did it in only 58 pitches! What do you remember from that game and performance and how were you able to do it in just 58 pitches?
Dandola: “I remember just cruising along through the first few innings just wanting to keep my team close since it was an elimination game. We knew we had a team that could beat anybody at any given time, but we had to prove it on the field. The innings were going quickly. I had an idea that things were going well at around the 6th inning as we were up 4-0 but I really had no idea of my pitch count and for me it’s always a one pitch at a time mentality and giving your all every single pitch. At that point, the preparation and work put in during season allowed me to be confident and I knew with the help of the amazing team behind me that I could get through the next two innings. It was a surreal moment for me on such a big stage. One that I will never forget!”
FPN: Is there anything you would like to say about your time at Hofstra and what goals you have at Syracuse both on and off the field?
Dandola: “Hofstra gave me opportunities that, as a Freshman, I was grateful to have. It allowed me to understand softball at a different level physically and mentally that I have never experienced before. My goals at Syracuse are to help them first win our conference and then move on to the Regionals and beyond. Off the field, I want to be able to settle in my living arrangements and finding my way around such a big campus. I want to focus on my school work and getting a new routine going. I will be much farther away from home (Hofstra was 10 minutes away) so that will be a little bit of an adjustment but I look forward to my new home and my new teammates. I am excited about every single aspect and can not wait to get on campus. GO ORANGE!
