Claresholm native honoured with President’s Award at the University of Lethbridge

By Rob Vogt
University life can be a balancing act for a student, especially if she plays a varsity sport and goes to school full time.
Claresholm native Sofia Hoff was recently honoured by the University of Lethbridge for achieving that balance between her studies and playing rugby.
The 2018 graduate of Willow Creek Composite High School was one of the recipients of the President’s Award, given to the Pronghorn student-athlete with the highest academic standing at the University of Lethbridge, while competing full time in varsity sports and maintaining a minimum academic load of 18 credit hours.
“I was not expecting it,” Hoff said, adding the award is usually given to just one student, not two.
Hoff achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average, while completing a total of 30 credit hours between the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters in the Faculty of Education, and playing for the Pronghorn women’s rugby team.
The other recipient was Tom Denness of the men’s soccer team.
“It was pretty cool to share it with him,” Hoff said.
She also received a Mahon Family Sport Award for women’s rugby, for proficiency in sport, demonstrated outstanding leadership, and academic achievement. 
Hoff will be entering her sixth year of studies in physical education and social studies, convocating in April, when she will begin her career.
“I just hope to start teaching,” Hoff said. “(And) see where things take me.”