Sophia Grayson

Sophia Grayson – Georgia
Nomination & Photography by Tiffany Grayson
Issue 88 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​​

Nomination: Sophia was born a super-preemie with a joint disorder and limb differential. She has overcome multiple surgeries to help correct some of her physical issues. Now a senior in HS with a 4.23 GPA, Sophia has worked hard, earning a scholarship and roster spot on the Carson-Newman University Varsity Archery Team, starting Fall 2025. Sophia is ranked top 30 in the nation for her archery classification and age by USA Archery and is reigning champion of several state tournaments. Sophia is an overcomer! She did not let her physical challenges define her and wants to encourage others.
​

Photography by Tiffany Grayson
​

What do you wish people to know about your joint disorder and limb differential?
People ask why do all the medical work if some of my issues will aren’t “fixable.” Usually, I explain that it was done to maximize my quality of life. Part of having arthrogryposis is you only have mobility one way or another. An example I use is my knee. I had surgery so it straightens and supports my weight properly. However, now my knee has a limited range of how much it will fold. I traded mobility one way for the other. This is one of the things that people get confused by, that nothing will ever be completely “fixed.” (100).

What is something positive that has come from your physical issues?
I think a positive is what they taught me. They were things like it is okay to break and have to put yourself back together again. I have always been fiercely independent so when I felt absolutely shattered, I had to learn to lean on other people and let them help pick me up. I learned how to face the parts of myself and my story that I hated and figured out how to cherish them. Most importantly learned that I was fearfully and wonderfully made, even with all the cracks and scars I sometimes see in the mirror.

What is the hardest part of maintaining a 4.23 GPA?
Probably the hardest part is keeping up with school while also competing in my sport. I just came back this weekend after shooting in a national tournament. I have a macroeconomics project, a debate, and a quiz to prepare for today. However, right now all I want to do is sleep! These are the days that are hard, and I remind myself of my GPA and why I am doing the work. Although I want to relax, my hard work would go to waste if I were to give up and take a nap instead of finishing my macroeconomics presentation.

What has been your favorite class this year and what is the most interesting thing you've learned?
I really have enjoyed all my classes this year, but my favorite at the moment is my dual enrollment Sociology 102 class. I was slightly worried because I had never taken a sociology class before, but I love learning about how human behavior and culture works. I am a big fan of forensic science, and so I like the crime side of understanding how people work, and so it has been interesting to learn all about culture and society and the environment that shapes people and how they interact.

What else would you like to talk about?
People often ask how I started doing archery. I actually tried it for the first time at a camp. Then when I started at a new school, they had a team that allowed fifth graders to join! I made the team and shot for seven years. I wanted to take my skills to the next level. Opportunities arose outside school for me to shoot even in the midst of some really difficult medical seasons. Last year I was able to compete at national tournaments and given a chance to shoot collegiately. My dream is to shoot in the Olympics.

What do you love most about archery?
I love that it is all about beating yourself. Although you do want to win against other people, no one is responsible for the shots you make except you. Although this can be hard when you fail, it creates a drive and motivation to improve that I do not think comes in some other sports. I love the fact that every time I step up to the line, I must make a choice to either succeed or fail because how I perform is completely up to me.

What is a favorite memory in archery that you will never forget?
I think one of my favorite memories is my first tournament when I was around twelve years old. I was brand new and was probably only five feet tall if not shorter than that at the time. I remember vividly missing the target completely and splitting a clipboard in half which was sitting on top of the target. My coach afterwards told me jokingly that it took more skill to hit the thin little clipboard than the target, and I should have won the entire tournament.

What is your archery team like? Where do you fit in and where do you stand out?
Interestingly enough, I just finished competition with the U.S. Regional Elite Team. I aged out and am getting ready for shooting with the Carson Newman team in the fall. I think over the years with the various teams I have been on, I always have been the oldest or the most experienced. With the Regional Elite Team however, although i was the eldest originally, I was also the least experienced. This was really daunting at first, but still a wonderful experience, and I made a lot of awesome friends.

What are you most looking forward to at Carson-Newman University other than archery?
I think one of the things I am most excited about is getting a fresh start. I have loved high school and the friends I have made at home, but I am ready to meet new people and start a new chapter of my life. I also am so so excited to study fine art. I am mostly self-taught when it comes to painting and drawing so getting the opportunity to fine tune and hone my skills in a classroom is super exciting.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My nomination does not cover this, but at the core of who I am, I am a child of God. That may mean a lot to some people and very little to others, nevertheless it would be untrue to say that I have made it this far is because of anything I have done on my own. God has guided my steps throughout my life; I would have never been able to be the person I am if I had not surrendered my life to Him.
 
Tell us more about your relationship with God.
I accepted Christ in kindergarten. However, I did not understand what it meant to follow Him until I was older. After facing many physical and emotional battles over the years, I became angry with God for allowing my suffering. In my sophomore year, I reached a breaking point. In that moment I realized that my strength was not enough. I could not keep fighting alone... but also, Christ would not leave me when I needed Him most. I gave Him my heart right there, knelt before Him on my carpet floor. I have been following Jesus ever since that night.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I have always had an eye for art, and it has always been my passion. I started painting a drawing very young. Before I found archery and had a lot of my medical work done, I did not have the physical abilities to do many sports. Thus, creativity has always been a default and gift. Art, especially painting, is something that I believe was sewn into the fabric of who I am as a person. I feel like if someone were to look at my D.N.A, they would discover that it is held together by paint brushes and acrylic paint.

Tell us about a favorite art piece you've created.
My favorite is a painting of a landscape I saw on my way home from a college tour that didn’t go how I expected. I hadn’t looked at Carson Newman yet and felt so lost, worried about not knowing where I was supposed to go. I glanced out the window at this beautiful scenery of clouds over a empty field. The sky was lit up with sunset. I snapped a picture and came home. I painted the picture that night. It is a reminder to me that God had a plan even when I felt like I didn’t.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
My mother has been taking pictures of me since birth. She has always had a talent for photography, and I have loved smiling in her photos since I was little. I have always enjoyed seeing the memories she has captured over the years. One of the things I have always loved about the experience is that she knows me so well. It is always nice when the photographer can capture you in a photo, not just what you look like.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My mother nominated me. We have always been close, which is such a blessing! The memories I love most are the ones that remind me of her love for me and just how much. She took care of me during times in my life when I could not always care for myself. Looking back on those seasons, I can remember it being so hard for me to ask for help from anyone. However, I will always cherish the fact that my mother was there to help and support me even when I didn't want or know how to ask for it.

What is a favorite family memory you will never forget?
I think one of my favorites is the day I signed at Carson – Newman and my entire family was grinning from ear to ear, so excited to watch me sign that piece of paper. The hugs I got that day were some of the best, and the pride in all my family's faces is something I will never forget.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I have always believed that God has a plan for me and my story, and this is one way I can share that story. I want to be an encouragement and a source of hope for other people. I have been blessed with so many individuals throughout my life who have been there to encourage and support me. I want to use this opportunity to give hope and encouragement to others who may feel like they face odds that are too big to conquer.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I win a scholarship, I plan to use the money for art supplies and books in college, where I plan to study studio art. I love the idea of doing what I was made to do in college, and this can be a way to help me do that!

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I thank the Lord for blessing me with the opportunity to have such an interesting story and the courage to share it with others. I am incredibly grateful for His hand in my life. I would also love to thank my family and especially my mother, who have made it their priority to see me get to my goals. I would not have been able to be here without any of them.

Look for Sophia in issue 88 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

Images and Artwork by Sophia Grayson 

click here for more information on issue 88

click here to nominate an inspiring teen