Colorado University Athletics
Newcomer Spotlight Series: Sophie Zadel
February 27, 2026 | Women's Basketball
BOULDER - The Colorado Women's Basketball team added 10 new players to the roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. In order to get to know them all a little better, we're continuing our Newcomer Spotlight Series to highlight the five freshmen and five transfers on our squad.
Next up is freshman forward Sophie Zadel.
In high school, you competed in cheer, track and basketball. What made you choose basketball as the sport you wanted to continue with?
I chose basketball because it was definitely a sport that I felt I was really good at physically, and I like being a part of the team more. I felt like all the other sports I did were very much inclined to yourself. I did cheer for like 10 years, but it was so different without a ball, and how basketball is just so aggressive. I just love the culture that basketball brought.
I saw that you were also in orchestra. What instrument did you play and do you still play?
I played the violin. I haven't played since I graduated, but I did that for a long time.
Why did you choose CU?
I chose CU for the coaching staff, and because I loved how pretty it is here as well. But really, just the coaching staff and how they believed in me – especially after an ACL tear.
What do you like about living in Colorado so far?
I really love the weather. I think even if it's cold, it's sunny, so it makes it 10 times hotter already. I'm a big sun [and] outdoors person, so I definitely say that's the best part.
Who do you look up to on the team?
Honestly, I really look up to [Zyanna Walker]. I think she has such a great work ethic, and she's just such a good person on and off the court. I think that she shows what it's like to be a leader, especially since she's been through the game a lot, and battled injuries and come back. I love Zy.
Do you have any favorite memories with the team?
August was a really good month, and it was fun. [We] all got to hang out. I think as a group, we clicked so quick. So everything we do is fun – whether it's at practice or we go get dinner after. I think every memory is fun.
Do you have a pregame ritual or some type of food that you like to eat before a game?
Usually, I always have a Celsius energy drink before I go on the court. But lately, [Maeve McErlane] likes Starbucks a lot, so I've been going to Starbucks sometimes. But just listening to music and having an energy drink.
What's your favorite flavor Celsius?
I'd say probably watermelon.
What are you most excited for for the rest of the season?
I'm really excited just to see how far we can go and continue to keep working on the things that we are. Just staying the course.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I really like to tan, be in the sun and swim. I really like being with company and friends. So [those are] definitely my favorite things.
Do you have anything else you want people to know about you?
Just gonna keep working to try to show what I can do.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, a complete schedule and results, please visit CUBuffs.com. Fans of the Buffs can follow the team on Instagram and on Twitter @CUBuffsWBB.
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Next up is freshman forward Sophie Zadel.
In high school, you competed in cheer, track and basketball. What made you choose basketball as the sport you wanted to continue with?
I chose basketball because it was definitely a sport that I felt I was really good at physically, and I like being a part of the team more. I felt like all the other sports I did were very much inclined to yourself. I did cheer for like 10 years, but it was so different without a ball, and how basketball is just so aggressive. I just love the culture that basketball brought.
I saw that you were also in orchestra. What instrument did you play and do you still play?
I played the violin. I haven't played since I graduated, but I did that for a long time.
Why did you choose CU?
I chose CU for the coaching staff, and because I loved how pretty it is here as well. But really, just the coaching staff and how they believed in me – especially after an ACL tear.
What do you like about living in Colorado so far?
I really love the weather. I think even if it's cold, it's sunny, so it makes it 10 times hotter already. I'm a big sun [and] outdoors person, so I definitely say that's the best part.
Who do you look up to on the team?
Honestly, I really look up to [Zyanna Walker]. I think she has such a great work ethic, and she's just such a good person on and off the court. I think that she shows what it's like to be a leader, especially since she's been through the game a lot, and battled injuries and come back. I love Zy.
Do you have any favorite memories with the team?
August was a really good month, and it was fun. [We] all got to hang out. I think as a group, we clicked so quick. So everything we do is fun – whether it's at practice or we go get dinner after. I think every memory is fun.
Do you have a pregame ritual or some type of food that you like to eat before a game?
Usually, I always have a Celsius energy drink before I go on the court. But lately, [Maeve McErlane] likes Starbucks a lot, so I've been going to Starbucks sometimes. But just listening to music and having an energy drink.
What's your favorite flavor Celsius?
I'd say probably watermelon.
What are you most excited for for the rest of the season?
I'm really excited just to see how far we can go and continue to keep working on the things that we are. Just staying the course.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I really like to tan, be in the sun and swim. I really like being with company and friends. So [those are] definitely my favorite things.
Do you have anything else you want people to know about you?
Just gonna keep working to try to show what I can do.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, a complete schedule and results, please visit CUBuffs.com. Fans of the Buffs can follow the team on Instagram and on Twitter @CUBuffsWBB.
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Players Mentioned
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