In sixth grade, sophomore Sofia Read posted her first clip on social media—a highlight from a youth basketball game. It was a simple way to share her love for the game, but it marked the beginning of a journey that would shape her path to college basketball.

By eighth grade, Read was receiving her first offers from college coaches, a direct result of her consistent presence on platforms like Instagram and X. 

“It helps college coaches see highlight reels and to get more eyes on me,” Read said.

As she entered high school, Read’s approach to social media matured. No longer just a showcase for athleticism, her posts now highlight her leadership roles at school and her academic accomplishments such as her academic awards, presenting herself as a well-rounded student.

“I use social media to show what I am capable of to coaches.,” Read said. “We play in a hard district so showing my accomplishments within it helps me get attention.” Social media, however, is more than a self-promotion tool for Read. She watches other athletes’ clips to gain insights, broaden her perspectives and draw inspiration from their personal brands. 

“I am able to learn about a bunch of different athletes in my area and connect with them,” Read said.

Since many athletes use social media to boost their visibility like Read, it was at first challenging for Read to stand out. But as she continued to post over the years, her following grew—currently over 2,600—and so did her impact..

Today, Read’s social media presence is a key part of her college recruitment journey. She has already received offers, but she’s not stopping there. With aspirations to play basketball at one of the top colleges in the nation, she continues to use her platform to showcase her skills and personality. 

“I have had a couple coaches say they saw me first from social media and that’s when they started following me,” Read said.