Can Orono freshman be stopped?

Sophie Babo, an attacking midfielder for the Orono girls' soccer team, recently broke the school record for career goals, which had been 64.

What makes Babo's accomplishment stand out is that she's just a freshman. A starter since the seventh grade, she scored 25 goals in her first season and has been virtually unstoppable since.

Her talents aren't limited to high school soccer. Last summer she was one of just 26 girls nationwide who were invited to train with the U.S. National Under-15 team in California.

"That was, hands down, the best experience, learning-wise, that I've ever had," Babo said.

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked with Babo about where she's been with soccer and her hopes.

Q What is your earliest memory of playing soccer?

A Probably Park and Rec soccer. I was 5. My parents told me I went to my first game and scored eight goals.

A It wasn't until I was about 10 or 11 years old that things really started for me. I realized then that I could be more than just another girl playing soccer.

Q What happened then?

A I was playing with my summer team from Wayzata. One of the coaches from Bangu Tsunami [a local high-profile soccer club] saw me play and said he wanted me to be a guest player for his team.

Q How did that go?

A I was so nervous. I went in and we played four games that day and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. It opened so many doors for me.

A My aggressiveness and my determination. My competitive edge. There are always going to be people more skilled than me, but I always want to be the person who works the hardest. I'm not going to let anything stand in my way.

Q In terms of physical skills, what makes you stand out?

A I'm strong more than I'm quick. When I play people that are quick, I have to be fast in my head and think quicker than them. I'm also on the taller side, so I use that to my advantage in set pieces and corner kicks.

Q Are you ever amazed at how well things have worked out for you?

A It is hard to believe that so many things have happened for me so quickly. It's amazing and very gratifying to have accomplished the things I have.

A It's a tie between taking penalty kicks, when it comes down to the last one and you either make it and win or miss it and lose. I love those pressure moments. Or those long-distance shots where you place it perfectly and score. That's when the countless hours of shooting and having my family shag balls for me pays off.

Q How do you want people to see you as a player?

A That I'm the one who does the dirty work. I'm not trying to show off or be cocky. I always give 110 percent and I'm never satisfied. I'm always looking to improve and I'm always looking ahead.

Q Where do you see yourself in the future?