Our 15th Intentional Act of Kindness comes from Sophia Krebel of Freeburg High School, and it reflects empathy born from shared experience.

Sophia is someone who leads with heart. She is deeply involved in her school and community through Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and volunteer work with FCCLA. With a passion for helping others and a desire to grow as an entrepreneur, Sophia brings kindness, adaptability, and care into everything she does.

Earlier this winter, Sophia fractured her fibula and has been navigating life on crutches. That experience gave her a deeper understanding of how isolating it can feel to be sidelined from something you love.

During the break, Sophia learned that a player on one of the volleyball teams she coaches had also broken her ankle. Wanting her to feel supported, Sophia and the other coaches put together a small gift — a candy bag, a nice-smelling hand lotion, and a card filled with handwritten notes from her teammates.

This act of kindness was especially meaningful because Sophia understood exactly what her player was going through. She knew the frustration of not being able to participate, and she wanted to make sure her athlete felt encouraged, remembered, and cared for.

Sometimes the most powerful kindness comes from shared understanding. Sophia’s act reminds us that empathy has the ability to turn a difficult season into one filled with support and connection.

We are proud of Sophia for choosing compassion and for using her own experience to lift someone else up. ❤️