Q&A with KCC soccer alum and Hensley Transfer Scholarship recipient Sophia Saunders

Sophia Saunders, 20, of Plainwell, is a 2023 Otsego High School graduate who earned her Associate in General Studies magna cum laude from Kellogg Community College in 2024.

A two-year women’s soccer player for the Bruins, she excelled both in the classroom and on the field, earning NJCAA Academic All-American and DII Third Team All-American honors.

At KCC, Saunders was named the 2025 Outstanding Female Scholar Athlete – an award given to just one female athlete each year – and received the KCC Foundation’s most prestigious scholarship, the Virginia M. Hensley Education or Health Care Transfer Scholarship for the Highest Achieving KCC Graduate.

Now a senior at Michigan State University, Saunders is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Behavioral Sciences and plans to continue on to a master’s degree in psychology.

Why did you choose your area of study? What are your ultimate career goals?

I chose to study psychology because I have formed an interest in human behavior and the variety of career opportunities in the mental health field. My past experiences with others have shown me how broken things can be fixed with the right intention and assistance. I hope to be the help that people need to help them overcome their mental health challenges. My one goal in my future career is to simply help others in any way that I can.

What is your favorite memory of KCC?

My favorite memory of KCC was winning the Region 12 championship for the second year in a row with my teammates and coaches. This team faced a significant amount of adversity and worked so hard to overcome it. Winning this tournament two years in a row was truly special.

What was the most impactful thing you learned at KCC?

My time at KCC has taught me how to be confident. Before I came to KCC I was faced with many obstacles involving family, friends and school. These experiences shattered my self-esteem and caused insecurity when thinking about my future. Then I enrolled at KCC and everything changed. During my time at KCC I learned so much about myself and how to grow rather than dwell when faced with a challenge. The opportunity that encouraged me the most was my teammates and coaches trusting me to be a captain. I am so grateful for the people and opportunities at KCC that helped shape me into who I am today.

What are you doing now, and how did KCC help you?

I am currently a senior at Michigan State University majoring in psychology and studies of human behavior. Before I came to KCC I was unsure of the career path I wanted to pursue. While attending KCC I enrolled in a few psychology courses, which sparked my interest for the mental health field. It is because of KCC and the direction of my advisors that I will be pursuing a career in psychology.

Why did you choose KCC?

I chose KCC because I was offered a soccer scholarship and I was unsure of the career path I wanted to pursue at the time. I was excited to explore career opportunities while still being able to play the sport I love.