Sophie Miranda: A Dual Dreamer in Soccer and Medicine
In the vibrant soccer scene of Newcastle, South Dublin, a remarkable young woman is making waves both on the field and in the classroom. Sophie Miranda, a graduate of Shawnigan Lake School and a proud product of Cobble Hill, is currently the only Canadian player on Peamount United F.C., a professional soccer team competing in Ireland’s Women’s National League. With the team currently sitting fifth overall, Miranda’s journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
A Unique Opportunity
Miranda’s decision to play soccer in Ireland was not solely about the game. After graduating, she faced a pivotal choice: pursue her dream of becoming a doctor or continue playing the sport she loves. "When I graduated this past year, I knew that I wanted to pursue medicine but was not quite ready to let go of the sport I love so dearly," she shared. With no professional league for women in Canada at the moment, Ireland presented a unique opportunity for her to balance both aspirations. "I didn’t have to choose between pursuing a degree in medicine and taking on a professional contract," she explained.
Champions League Experience
Signing with Peamount United opened the door for Miranda to compete in one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s soccer: the UEFA Women’s Champions League. This tournament features the top club teams from across Europe and is often regarded as one of the most challenging trophies to win. During her time in the Champions League, Peamount achieved a historic victory against Dinamo Minsk from Belarus, winning 2-1 on September 4. Although they faced a tough loss against Osijek from Croatia shortly after, Miranda reflected on the experience with pride. "We ended up winning our first game of the round against the team from Belarus, something that had not been done by an Irish team in a very long time. While we lost the finals, going to this tournament was a dream come true for me."
A Lifelong Passion for Soccer
Soccer has been a lifelong passion for Miranda, who has always been a multi-sport athlete. In high school, she excelled not only in soccer but also in field hockey, representing Team BC and even playing for Canada’s national junior field hockey team. "While I got to experience so many amazing opportunities through field hockey, I ultimately chose to pursue soccer at the university level," she noted. Her soccer journey began with the Cowichan Valley Soccer Association before she joined the Vancouver Island Wave in the BCSPL league, where she credits the community for shaping her path.
From the Wave, Miranda transitioned to semi-professional soccer, earning accolades as player of the year during her two seasons with the Victoria Highlanders FC and a third year with Harbourside FC. These experiences in B.C.’s League 1, the highest level of soccer in Canada before the upcoming Northern Super League, allowed her to hone her skills and maintain her fitness during university seasons.
Academic Excellence at Queen’s University
After graduating from Shawnigan Lake School, Miranda took her talents to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where she played four years of soccer. As a fullback, she started 33 of 43 games, contributing eight goals and five assists. Despite the pandemic cutting her rookie season short, she made the most of her time at Queen’s, finishing her final year as captain and earning first team OUA all-star and USPORTS academic all-Canadian accolades. "I had the best experience at Queen’s both academically and athletically," she reflected, attributing much of her success to the supportive coaching staff who helped her connect with opportunities in Ireland.
Balancing Soccer and Medicine
Now, as she juggles her professional soccer career with medical school, Miranda is living out her dual dreams. The path she has chosen is not just a personal ambition; it’s also a family affair. Her father, Trevor Miranda, an optometrist, expressed his pride in her achievements. "It’s so great a feeling. I think it’s important to note that it’s not my dreams — well, their dreams are my dreams," he said. He appreciates the sacrifices she makes, balancing her social life while still forming meaningful friendships and remaining well-rounded.
Sophie Miranda’s journey is a remarkable blend of athletic prowess and academic ambition, showcasing her determination to excel in both soccer and medicine. As she continues to make her mark in Ireland, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and medical professionals alike.