The 2024-25 Rams Reflect is the 10th in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk University.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Sophie Palmer, Women's Volleyball | Hometown: Milford, N.H. | Major: Global Busines
As a 2021 high school graduate, Covid impacted our lives many ways as students and as athletes. When I played my last high school volleyball game with the girls I have been playing with for years, I was sad it was over, but so relieved that I did not have to say goodbye to volleyball yet. I still had four more years to play in college.
After graduating from Milford High School, I started my college volleyball career at New England College. During my time at New England College, I met some of my best friends who were by my side, while I experienced the trials and tribulations that made me into the strong, resilient person I am today, you know who you are, and I thank you endlessly. When I decided that it was best for my physical and mental health to leave my prior institution, I wanted to continue my student athlete career in my favorite city. What better place to go to than Suffolk University in the heart of Boston?
I emailed Coach Blanchard asking him if he was looking for any defensive specialists for his 2023 roster or if there were any intramural options at Suffolk. He replied in only a few minutes. After our call I already had a plan to visit Suffolk that weekend to watch their breast cancer awareness matches and tour the university. From the first phone call, Coach Blanchard was determined to turn around my college volleyball career and give me the experience I deserved, in the environment I needed.
I remember when Coach Blanchard asked if I was okay with number 20, I looked up the number 20 significance, and it told me “The hard times will be over soon! The significance of the number 20 is that it is also a sign of change. This number often appears when there is a big shift taking place in your life. It may be time to let go of the past and embrace the new opportunities and wonderful things that are coming your way.” At that point, I knew I made the right decision, I was ready to turn the page and start my new life as a Ram.
Being an athlete since I was three years old has taught me many things in life from leadership, teamwork, perseverance, commitment, etc., but college volleyball in particular confirmed for me that everything happens for a reason. If it wasn’t for the hardships that I endured previously in my career, I would not be in Boston on this amazing volleyball team (23-7 overall senior season), living in my dream apartment in the North End, and I wouldn’t have met all of the people that have changed my life for the better in this city that I am now lucky enough to call home. I cannot even begin to explain my gratitude to Suffolk Athletics, Coach Blanchard, Coach Talia, Coach Hannah and of course my athletic trainer, Ashley Turner who kept me running for my final years playing volleyball. I appreciate every single person from my coaches, teammates, family, and friends who supported me throughout this long career.
Thank you, Suffolk volleyball, for taking me in. Once a Ram always a Ram.
With love, #20 out, Sophie Palmer