We’re excited to welcome Sophia Lianos to the Longstreth Athlete Program as an OBO Brand Ambassador!
Sophia is a junior at Bishop O’Connell High School (VA) and plays club field hockey for Washington Wolves. During the 2025 season, she set a school record for most shutouts in a single season, helped lead her team to its first-ever WCAC Championship, and earned First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Met honors. She was also named to Max Field Hockey’s Class of 2027 Watchlist.
Through her hard work and dedication, Sophia has announced her commitment to William & Mary and will continue her field hockey career at the collegiate level.
Fun Facts:
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I use the Obo ROBO Fatboy Stick, and I’ve been using it for around 2 years. I really like the extra power and stiffness when it comes to saving higher-level shots. I’m also a very aggressive style goalkeeper, so I often end up on the ground. When I save shots from that position, I really need them to rebound far to give me time to get up, hence why I like the thicker stick.
What legguards, kickers, and helmet do you use, and why did you choose them?
I use the Hi-Rebound Legguards, ROBO Plus Kickers, and the FG Helmet. I chose the Hi-Rebound Legguards because I really like the shape and color of them (matched my school colors). Along with that, I went with the ROBO Plus Kickers because in terms of clearing balls, I felt like I needed more rebound power at the high school level (because most high school shots tend to be slightly weaker). I chose the FG Helmet because before I’d always had the PE Helmet, but was looking to level up protection, and so I chose the FG, which had the same design but was more protective.
How long have you been playing field hockey, and what made you first want to start playing goalkeeper?
I’ve been playing field hockey for around 8 years, 3 of which were as a field player. I was never very serious about field hockey while I was a field player, but I liked it a lot, and so I stuck with it. I’d quit every other sport I played and just didn’t see myself as an athletic person. Then I made my first club team when I was in 7th grade, and after my first fall season our current goalie aged up to U16, meaning we needed a goalkeeper. My coach had everyone try out being a goalie, and so I tried it and played in one of our games. I was very bad, but I had a lot of fun (which is surprising because at that period how good I was at something normally regulated my enjoyment of it) and so I kept playing as goalie. Then, I missed the tryout date for the winter season, and my coach told me I could join the team if I would be the goalkeeper, and so I was.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
About 20-30 minutes before arriving at the venue for the game I put my headphones on and listen to my music, and then once I get within the 10 minute range, I turn off the music and sit in silence. I also like visualization, especially when we know how a particular team plays. After that I normally do my prayer.
What’s your go-to pre-game meal?
Some sort of pasta with protein or rice, salmon, and salad.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
A low, slick back bun.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
I Cry by Flo Rida
All of the Lights by Kanye West
The Climb by Miley Cyrus
Describe your playing style in three words.
Aggressive, Decisive, and communicative
What do you like to do when you’re not playing field hockey?
I like to run and go on walks with music. I also like coaching (I do goalie coaching for younger goalies), reading, and spending time with my friends/family.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
Yes, I refuse to be on my phone once we arrive at the venue. It started because it was for my reaction time, but now, I feel like it’s just bad luck if I turn it on.
What’s your favorite motivational quote?
Procrastination is the arrogant assumption that God owes more opportunities to do what you already had time to.
What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming season?
I’m really looking forward to the qualifying rounds of the finals and getting to spend time with the seniors before they leave for college.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
My favorite field hockey memory is our win against Trinity Episcopal last year, or doing our pre-senior night activities (juniors go out between 8 pm and midnight, toilet paper houses, decorate cars, and leave little gifts for seniors on their cars) this year.
