Sophia Gauthier

For July’s CYSA Game Changer Award, we proudly honor Sophia Gauthier, a shining example of leadership, service, and sportsmanship within the Caledonia Baseball & Softball League (CBSL). Sophia isn’t just passionate about the game, she’s changing it for the better.

A 2025 graduate of Caledonia High School, Sophia grew up right here in Caledonia, attending Emmons Lake Elementary and Kraft Meadows Middle School before proudly representing Caledonia High. She’s now a freshman at the University of Miami (FL), with hopes of becoming a neurosurgeon someday. Still, softball remains close to her heart, and she plans to continue umpiring and playing recreationally whenever she can.

Sophia comes from a big family that has supported her every step of the way. She is the second oldest of her siblings: Ava (19), Charlie (17), Evelyn (9), and Miriam (6). Her parents, Mardi Gauthier and Jeff Uherek, have always been in the stands cheering her on, never missing a game and encouraging her to pursue her passions in both sports and life.

From the age of four, Sophia found a second home at the Cal-Plex fields. She’s spent 14 years playing softball – primarily as a catcher, third baseman, and first baseman – and credits the game for shaping her into a confident leader and strong communicator. That leadership now shows through her work as a senior umpire, where she not only officiates youth games, but actively trains and mentors younger umpires.

Sophia became an umpire at age 13, driven by her love of the game and a desire to stay involved beyond playing. Today, she’s known across CBSL for her professionalism, poise under pressure, and mentorship – especially for young female athletes stepping into new roles. "Being the only female umpire for a few years, I never felt out of place because I was my true authentic self," she said. Sophia says she enjoys seeing the game come full circle – watching young players fall in love with softball the same way she once did.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed: CBSL regularly receives compliments about her leadership and presence behind the plate, including being specifically requested by coaches – a true honor and testament to her influence.

Even with her busy schedule, Sophia finds time to serve her community outside of umpiring. She’s involved in LINKS and AMBY, two mentoring programs, and helps coach at youth softball camps. As the second oldest sibling, mentorship comes naturally to her – and she loves supporting those who are coming up behind her.

Despite her achievements, Sophia remains humble and grounded: “It truly makes me feel like I made a difference in Caledonia,” she said of the Game Changer recognition. “It fuels my journey to change more lives in the future.”

Looking ahead, Sophia hopes to inspire more girls to play softball and pursue leadership opportunities in sports. Her advice to younger athletes and umpires? “Be yourself and never back down from a challenge.”

Sophia is more than an umpire. She’s a role model, a trailblazer, and a true Game Changer. On behalf of CYSA and the entire Caledonia sports community – thank you, Sophia, for raising the standard and changing the game for the next generation.

July Game Changer sponsor: Valerie & Scott Brooks