Sophia Moe was  16 and ready to be a junior at Winona Senior High School this fall. Sadly, she never got to start the year, because of a fatal car accident, this July.

Her death brought many people together in the community to show their support for her family and loved ones.

On Friday, September 21, Cotter girl’s soccer team paid a tribute to their former teammate and friend.

Though, not all played on the field with her, they all took the time to honor and remember her as a friend and player. They celebrated her by bringing flowers to the family, while Cotter teacher Evan Howard read a statement about how everyone should be grateful for the present and to cherish what you have.

Earlier this September, the Winona Senior High girl’s soccer team honored Sophia, and remembered her life in a pregame ceremony. The ceremony included: songs from her favorite musicals, and candles lit brightly in her honor.

The Cotter players and coach had a lot to say about this night.

“Half of our starters played with her, and some grew up playing with her, when she passed it hit our team in a remarkable way. We have been honoring her before most games, and I think the girls have a different perspective when I tell them that it may be their last game,” Cotter coach Marie Barrientos said.

Maren Stewart, Cotter soccer player, had been playing with Sophia since she was 9 years old.

“She was the first friend I ever made on a Soccer team, and we had been close ever since,” Steart said.

Asking her, if this has affected her appreciation for life, she replied “definitely, I think the whole city has a new appreciation, you got to live for today.”

“Life is very delicate, and could be taken away in an instant. It really makes you think about your relationship with family, and friends,”  teammate Abbey Allen said.

Following the ceremony, the girls defeated Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa 8-0, to remain undefeated in their conference.