UHV grad Sofia Skyriotis finds professional home in Greece

By Sam Fowler

Assistant Athletic Director-Communications

UHV women's soccer product Sofia Skyriotis wasn't looking for a place to continue her soccer career.

In fact, she was enjoying a vacation in September with her friend in Greece, where her father was born and where her family roots are, when an opportunity she never thought of came up.

A coach from a local professional women's team in the Greek second division was looking for another player for the 2024-25 season and knew Sofia's uncle, Thannasis Tzivara, who played a lot in the region.

That led to a tryout with Feidon Argos, a team in Group B of the Greek Women's Football League Second Division located in southern Greece.

"I was there on vacation, so I didn't bring my cleats. I didn't bring anything; just me, myself and I," Skyriotis said. "I was on a boat trip with my friend that day and when we got back, my uncle picked me up and we went to training."

Skyriotis impressed the coach at the tryout and participated in a scrimmage later that week, where the former Jaguar defender was offered a place on the team.

"I thought maybe in the future I'd coach, but that was it," the San Francisco, California, native said. "I never thought I'd be playing in Greece."

She made her debut with Feidon Argous on Jan. 26, helping her side to a 3-2 win over Doxa Pigadakion. Feidon Argos currently sits in third place on 35 points through 16 matches.

During her debut in January, all of Skyriotis' family was in attendance, including her parents who flew from California to see their daughter's first professional game.

"It was very nerve-wracking because I had so many people there," Skyriotis said. "They say, 'Oh, we're just here to support you,' but I don't see it like that. I feel if I don't play well, then I let everybody down.

"It was my first game eligible to play and we won. I don't think I really had anything to do with the result, but it looked good. Then, after the game, it was really nice because all of my family, even my extended family, was there cheering for me and taking photos. So, it was fun."

Built for this by UHV

After transferring from Cañada College in 2022, Skyriotis featured in 22 games with 18 starts in UHV's back line across two seasons with the Jaguars.

She helped the Jaguars reach the Red River Athletic Conference tournament in 2022 before graduating in 2023.

"Our coaching staff is very proud of Sofia," said head coach Adrian Rigby. "It speaks volumes of her ability as a player and her desire to pursue opportunities to play at the next level. She's very passionate about the game and this will help propel her professional career. While at UHV, Sofia was a hardworking and solid defensive player for us. She improved each year at UHV and was a mainstay in the backline for us her senior year. Having Sofia move on professionally speaks volumes about the level of competition within the RRAC and NAIA."

Because of her time in Victoria, Skyriotis feels she was well-equipped to handle the game in Greece thanks to conditioning in the South Texas weather and fierce battles on the pitch in the RRAC.

"It doesn't matter what training is like, it'll never be Riverside Park at 6 a.m.," Skyriotis joked. "If we're doing sprints or whatever, you've just got to give it your all for 30 seconds or however long and it's done. I think mentally that helped me. Everything I learned at UHV and even my JUCO helped me gain the experience I need to bring to my team now."

Growing the game

The growth of women's soccer has erupted in the last decade.

According to a 2023 report by the sport's governing body, FIFA, there was a 24% growth of participation to 16.6 million female players globally from 2019 to 2023.

The Hellenic Football Federation, the national governing body in Greece, in March 2024 announced its plan to help develop the women's game in Greece, and Skyriotis takes pride in being a part of that growth.

"It feels like I'm making everyone proud, especially my family here and in Greece," Skyriotis said. "I feel like I'm giving back to them and thanking them for everything they've done for me. I'm just really grateful I can get to do that while also help grow the game here."

Balancing act

Skyriotis attributes much of her success to the support system she's grown over the years, specifically from her family.

"I couldn't ask for a better support system," Skyriotis said. "They've always been very supportive, especially since I moved here. … They've done a lot for me."

That's helped her find a healthy balance between work and soccer since receiving her Psychology degree in December 2023. In the mornings, she handles her duties as a data analyst for a biotech company before going to training in the evenings.

"Seeing Sofia continue to excel while juggling a career and soccer shows just how collegiate athletics prepares young adults for the real world," said UHV Director of Athletics Ashley Walyuchow. "We look forward to seeing her continue to make UHV proud."