Alumni Spotlight - Vesna Sophan

Throughout the years, there have been many game-changing players that have led Everett High to various levels of success, be that WesCo championships, state tournament births, or unbelievable regular season wins. Many have gone on to play at the college level, with a handful of guys taking their trade to the various professional leagues throughout the world.

Knowing this, I would be hard-pressed to make an all time All-EHS squad. It would be very strong. In having this “debate” a few years ago with friends, the conversation shifted to who your first round pick would be if you were building said squad (nothing like evolving a little fantasy basketball into this blog!). When it came to me, I didn’t hesitate in picking Vesna Sophan.

Having graduated in 2003, the 5’11” shooting guard/small forward was a valuable part of the most talented-laden Seagull team of the past 20 years. The ’02-’03 squad was a preseason Top 5 team in the state, and was primed for a run at the title. With a front line that featured 6’7 All-State performer Adam Moore, 6’6 Pat Mattson, and 6’4” Sam Wertheimer, complimented by Sophan, 4-year PG Jamie Lee, and a strong bench that allowed for a 10-11 player rotation, this team was deep. But with the team hampered by serious nagging injuries to both Wertheimer and Lee early in the season, it was decimated by a season-ending knee injury to Sophan early in the campaign. Unfortunately, the team struggled to rebound from these injuries, and missed the playoffs.

I’m convinced that with a healthy Sophan, the team would have contended for a state crown. The reason I believe that is the same reason I would take him with the first pick in the EHS hoops fantasy draft: no one played harder and with more passion than Vesna Sophan. He possessed an inside-out game that was an absolute headache for defenders, coupled with a tenacity and fervor for rebounding the basketball that was unmatched. He also played with a savvy intelligence and unselfishness that was infectious to his teammates, bringing out the best in their abilities. If you need any proof of this, watch his squad at the Alumni Tourney next week, and look for the guy that seems to be everywhere on the court. It’s these traits that make Vesna the classic basketball player you’d want to build a team around.

Thanks to Vesna for sharing his thoughts below on what being a Seagull meant to him:

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EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

Vesna Sophan – I played basketball all four years (2000-2003).

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

Vesna Sophan – I was originally enrolled at Cascade High School, because I felt that their sports program overall had better opportunities to play at the collegiate after graduating. But I decided that I couldn't play against my closest friends so I re-enrolled at Everett and to this day never regretted that decision.

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

Vesna Sophan – One thing I know about the group of guys I played with was that we loved, breathed, and studied basketball 24/7. We would spend countless hours before, during, and after school playing any sort of pick-up games at the YMCA, outdoor courts at Everett, or even in our own backyard. When we played together, we were unselfish, and knew what each other’s strengths and weakness are on the court. We were attached at the hips back then and that continues to this day. I am very fortunate to continue to have them as best friends and consider them a part of my family.

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

Vesna Sophan – One moment that stands out was my first basketball game as a freshman. I was a nervous little kid playing on the freshmen team, running plays in my head so I won't forget them. After winning the tip-off, we were on a fast break and the ball was passed to me on the left-side of the court. Without hesitation, I shot the jumper and made it from 15 feet away. That got me comfortable and we ended up winning the game against Mountlake Terrace.

Another moment I recall was my sophomore year playing a double overtime game against Stanwood. The gym was packed, waiting for the varsity game to start. Both teams have been playing a tough, physical basketball game. Tied, we had to in-bound the ball at the opposite end of the court with 3 seconds left. We had four across the free throw line, near the inbounder. As the whistle blew to start the count, I faked towards the inbounder to receive a short pace and ran towards our basket. John Cronin threw the perfect one-handed pass down court to me, I caught the ball and took one dribble and laid it up as time expired! The crowd went wild and we celebrated with hugs and fist pumps. That night, I got to suit up for the first time in a varsity game. It was an awesome experience.

The most memorable moment was the second game of my senior year. We were co-favorites with Kamiak to win our division and we had to play them at their house. The students were hostile, the Kamiak fans were loud. It was a playoff atmosphere. From tip-off to the end of the game, we played flawless basketball. We thrived under the pressure. We played balance, fundamental, and physical basketball. It was the best game we played as a team. That game reminded me of how much I wanted us to win, and tested how competitive we were.

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?

Vesna Sophan – The best team I was a part of was my junior season. There were many players that had graduated the previous year and most of us were knew to the varsity level. Most of the players on the team that year were juniors but we had confident and wasn't afraid to step-up to the challenge. We had some ups and downs but playing at the varsity level for the first time with my closest friends was an amazing experience.

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

Vesna Sophan – Aside from the rivalry we had against Cascade, I loved playing against Jackson High School. They had some solid talent on their team and matched up well against us. They were a well-balanced team athletically. Each year, we would split the season series with both teams winning on their home floor. It was always intense, physical, and always competitive. Another bright spot playing Jackson was the eye candy.

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

Vesna Sophan – The best player I played against at the time was Brent Lillibridge. He was a senior and I was a junior, but he was strong, athletic, and pretty quick. He was Jackson's top scorer but my challenge was to contain him. Both games, I was able to frustrate him offensively and defensively. But he was a great competitor and loved the passion he played with.

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

Vesna Sophan – I enjoyed playing with everyone of my teammates. We were all so competitive growing up, playing against one another everyday, we would always come out and try to better the other person on both sides of the court.

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

Vesna Sophan – The most memorable game for me as a Seagull was the Kamiak game just because of the intensity we played with as a team and how we came out to prove we were the best team in WESCO that year.

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

Vesna Sophan – Competitiveness, passion, and commitment. These are the traits that every person should follow suite whether playing basketball or in life.

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

Vesna Sophan – Go out and play as much basketball as much as you can. But don't just play the game, learn it, study it! The game is not just physical, but also mental. You will become the best basketball player you can be once you understand the game of basketball. Guaranteed!