Sophie Armit female athlete of the month at GCU
For Grand Canyon University Women’s Ice Hockey player Sophie Armit, making the decision to step back onto the ice this season meant more than just continuing her collegiate career— it meant honoring the legacy of her older brother, Evan.
Armit, a sophomore Criminal Justice major from – in her words, the “small lake town” – of Dryden, Ontario, Canada, returned to Phoenix this fall amidst a time of unimaginable loss. Her older brother, Evan Armit, passed away in late August following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma.
“I definitely came back to play this year for him,” said Armit. “It’s what he would want me to do, and he keeps me going every day.”
Evan, a collegiate hockey player himself at Worcester State University in Worcester, MA, was an integral part of Sophie’s life – both on and off the ice. He was who taught her how to skate, how to take face-offs and battle in the corners, and how to lead by example.
Now, she plays with his memory in every game.
“Every ounce of strength that I have comes from him,” said a tearful Armit.
While the decision to come back to GCU has had its challenges, Armit immediately found strength in those around her.
“I have some incredible teammates that I can’t imagine going through this without,” said Armit. “Being surrounded by those people helps me immensely, and having a coach like (GCU Head Coach) Reid (Miller) has made a big difference.”
“Her returning this year shows her dedication and love for the sport,” said Miller. “It’s great having her around, and she’s been growing and getting better every day. It’s inspiring to see her continue to follow her dreams.”
A natural center who thrives on taking face-offs and “doing all the dirty work” on the ice, Armit has embraced her role as a leader on a team with a growing culture.
“When I first got here, the dynamic wasn’t as serious. It was more for fun,” said Armit. “Now it’s so much more focused. Between the buy-in from the girls and the dedication that our coach has, it makes the experience so much more competitive and enjoyable.”
As that enjoyable culture has grown, so have Armit’s leadership skills.
“I always thought I understood leadership, but the last two years have given me a whole new perspective,” said Armit. “Between things that have happened personally, things I learn at practice and things that I learn at the [GCU Club Sports] Leadership classes, I’ve matured as a leader and a communicator.”
If you’re wondering how someone from northwestern Ontario ended up all the way down in Arizona to play hockey, the answer is once again family related.
“I have a grandfather in Yuma, I knew I wanted to play hockey, and the warm weather here – combined with the Christian aspect – made GCU an easy option,” said Armit. “Going from a small town to Phoenix seemed adventurous, so I liked the idea of it. Evan was really adventurous, and that inspired me to take the risk.”
That Christian aspect of the environment is something that has become more important for Armit recently.
“I grew up Christian, so I was always around it,” said Armit. “In the last two years, though, I’ve become much more aware of my faith. I’m learning the importance of trusting His plan for me and my family – even if it seems scary and unfair at times.”
That same faith continues to guide her – both in navigating grief and stepping into a leadership role on the ice. While her dreams of becoming a lawyer – sparked by childhood admiration of her father who works as a homicide detective – are within reach, it’s clear she still has steps to take in her ice hockey journey.
“My mom, dad, and I have all become so much closer because of everything that’s happened,” said Armit. “I love them so much and I know they’re proud of me for staying resilient. I know Evan is, too.”
(Re-printed from Grand Canyon University club sports website)
