Derry javelin standout Mazzoni excited to commit to Auburn, looks forward to 3A competition

By: Paul Schofield
Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 8:19 PM

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The best javelin thrower in the state has made a choice about her future.

Derry senior Sophia Mazzoni committed to Auburn of the SEC.

Mazzoni is a two-time WPIAL Class 2A champion and returning PIAA champion. Her winning throw, a personal record, at the state meet was 161 feet, 10 inches. It was the top throw in either division in the state.

After winning the state title, she won the New Balance National at Penn. She placed third in JavFest in July.

After winning her state title, she got followed on Instagram by the Auburn coaches.

The Auburn coaches recently visited Mazzoni at her home, and she made an official visit to Alabama this past week.

“It was awesome,” Mazzoni said. “I am excited. The campus is beautiful, and the coaches already got a program for me when I get through to when I graduate. They see big things for me.”

Mazzoni started throwing the javelin in ninth grade. She threw 85 feet and knew she could do better. So she hit the weight room hard and got stronger and trained with her coach.

“I’ve steadily progressed, and I’d like to reach 170 feet this season,” she said.

Derry was moved up to Class 3A, and Mazzoni is excited to face a new challenge.

“She really liked Auburn all along,” Derry track and field coach Mark Curcio said. “I’m happy for her. She will do well there.”

Mazzoni said she liked the facilities at Auburn.

“They have an indoor facility where I can throw inside,” Mazzoni said. “They have a great weight room and a pool I can use. I really like the trainer. He is great.”

Now that she has made her college choice, Mazzoni said she will focus on her senior season.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

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