The Tacoma Athletic Commission, serving all high schools in Tacoma and Pierce County, is honored to award the 2022–2023 Tom Names Female Inspirational Athlete of the Year Award to Sophie Buttorff. Sophie has been a member of the Charles Wright Academy tennis team for three years, soaring her way through each season with her undeniable talent. She is a leader to her peers and teammates both on and off the court and an athlete whom others look up to. Sophie has had three undefeated seasons and has only lost two games throughout the whole 2023 season, paving the way for back-to-back 1A Girls Tennis Singles State Championships, 2022 and 2023. In addition to winning state, she has also been recognized as the Tacoma Athletic Commission’s Girls Tennis Athlete of the Year, named 2023 WIAA Athlete of the Week, and named First-Team All-League (2022 and 2023). Sophie’s success continues in the classroom, taking multiple AP classes—statistics, history and Japanese. Sophie has one more year of high school left, following which she is interested in continuing to play tennis while pursuing an education in the medical field. An inspiration both on and off the court, Sophie is a leader to her peers and teammates. She offers to help other athletes learn the game and she plays in a gentle manner allowing others the opportunity and experience needed to further their own game. She goes out of her way to promote community and a sense of belonging; Sophie makes sure that all are recognized. Her coach said that “She is one of the most positive, optimistic, kind-hearted persons I have ever known.” Adding that, “Her kindness is spread to everyone around her and she deserves recognition not just as an incredible athlete, but as an incredible and influential person.” Sophie’s leadership and inspiration are displayed at Mary Bridge Hospital, where she volunteers and helps people shadow and train for success in a working hospital environment. Sophie was honored with a Service Award during this year’s award banquet for the upper school at Charles Wright Academy. She goes above and beyond, balancing tennis, academics, and volunteering at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital weekly. The Tacoma Athletic Commission proudly presents Sophie Buttorff with the 2022-2023 Tom Names Female Inspirational Athlete of the Year Award.