Sophia Moss brings international experience to FSU volleyball

Florida State freshman outside hitter Sophia Moss is paving the way for international athletes on the Seminole women's volleyball team. A native of Tortoli, Italy, she is the only Italian-born player in program history.

Moss is transforming that landmark journey into on-the-court production, most recently tying her career high with a 14-kill performance against the University of North Alabama on Sept. 14. With every kill and dig, she continues to carve out her legacy at FSU, a path that first began with her mom in Italy.

"[My mom] was a professional volleyball player, [and] she was my first coach," Moss said in an interview with the FSView. "She still coaches me today … sometimes it's four a.m., she watches my game, and we call later, and she tells me [advice]."

That mentorship from Moss' mother paid dividends, as Moss earned the opportunity to play professional volleyball in Italy at 15. She made her club volleyball debut with Selezione Regionale Sardegna U16 in 2021. Over the next five years, she played for Pan Alfieri Cagliari, Volleyró Casal de Pazzi, and Club Italia prior to joining the 'Noles.

That level of competition uniquely prepared Moss for Division I volleyball with the Garnet and Gold.

"I used to play against teams that had volleyball players that were older than me … they [were] 30 years old," Moss said. "I also always played with players that were older than me, so I think that was great for me and for my development."

Moss' volleyball development also stems from a multi-sport background, which she credits her father for.

"I used to play tennis, and my dad was my coach," Moss said. "I think a lot of things in tennis help me in volleyball … coordination is very important in tennis, [which] helped me so much [in volleyball] ... I also think playing tennis helped me to be more fast."

That combination of early competition and multi-sport training prepared Moss mentally and physically for her next step: a 5,906-mile move to Tallahassee.

"[Head coach] Lindsay [Allman] called me to show me the project of this year, [and] for me it was very good," Moss said. "The coach, the staff [and] all [of] my teammates; they support me … it's very different from home, but I really like it."

The support from her teammates and coaches continues to translate to production on the volleyball court. Moss has tallied double-digit kills in four games and double-digit digs in three games this season.

Still, Moss and the women's volleyball team have faced early challenges. Florida International University defeated Florida State in three sets Sept. 13, marking the first time the Seminoles were swept this season.

Despite the early adversity, Moss is still looking to prove herself.

"My goal is to grow … as a player," Moss said. "I want to be a better player for my team … and to win the most we can. I think we can be better than [we are] now, but it's a new team, and it's normal that in the start there are some difficulties, but I think we can [have] a great season if we work hard. We want to win, and if we work, we will win."

For Moss, it is not just about winning games, it is about getting to represent Italy at the highest level in American collegiate athletics. Moss's opportunity to receive that honor only came because of change, something she believes international athletes should continue to embrace.

"I think a lot of people are afraid of change, and they don't know that they [will] lose a big opportunity," Moss said. "I know it's hard to be far from home [and] from your friends, but I think sometimes … the right choice is to get out of your comfort zone. I think we international [student athletes] must not be afraid of that change because change is beautiful."

Hunter Milligan is a Senior Staff Writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU and Tallahassee communities. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com .