LYNN — St. Mary’s junior Sophie Skabeikis has committed to studying and playing soccer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The standout forward, through 12 games, has scored 16 goals and dished out seven assists. 

“It’s a big relief. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m very excited,” said Skabeikis, who recorded 23 goals and seven assists her sophomore season. “It feels pretty rewarding after all the work I put in … I now have a path of what I’m going to be doing in the future.” 

Skabeikis has laced up the cleats since she was a child. That included playing the game with her older sister, Issie, who is committed to playing soccer at Saint Anselm College. 

“She’s played a big role. She’s my role model – definitely in soccer, but in life, too. I look up to her. She committed to play at Saint Anselm College and I’m very happy for the both of us that we got to accomplish what we wanted to do, which was play soccer in college,” she said. “We always played together and we’re so connected on the field because we’re so close off the field, and I think it definitely shows.” 

As for what led Skabeikis to Amherst, she pointed to the coaching staff and the feeling of being wanted. 

“Ever since I was able to start talking to coaches, I was reached out to by UMass and since the first call with them, I really enjoyed the coaching staff and they’re so welcoming and nice. It just felt like a place where I wanted to be,” she said. “When I went up to their campus, I loved the campus and it seemed like a perfect fit for me. It achieved my goal of wanting to play Division 1 soccer at a really high level. I loved the coaching staff and I got a good feeling after meeting the players in the locker room before one of their games. It seemed like a good fit. I felt wanted by them. It was a good feeling.” 

Skabeikis believes St. Mary’s has helped her become a better player, but also, a better leader. And no matter what school she chose, that leadership wasn’t going anywhere.

“I think St. Mary’s improved me a lot. I’ve been on the team since seventh grade, so I got to see the people before me and got to play under my sister and learned how to be a leader. I think that’s something St. Mary’s works on a lot in school and on the field, trying to teach people how to be good leaders,” Skabeikis said. “I think that’s something I’ll bring to college. … I’ve learned that you can be a leader at any age. It’s not like your age makes you a leader – it’s what you’re doing.” 

In addition to developing at St. Mary’s, there is also the club level for Skabeikis to keep molding her game.

“Club soccer is more similar to college soccer than high school is. I just need to continue to watch college soccer and try to adapt to their level. I need to continue to work on playing at a fast pace, moving the ball, being strong on the ball, and not losing it,” she said. “I’m very excited and believe when I put in work in the offseason, it’ll set me up for success once I get to college.” 

Skabeikis said she’s happy her family can attend games, as they’re not too far from home. 

“They were very excited,” she said. “I know they’re proud of me because they know how much work I put in and how determined I’ve been to achieve my goals.”