Sonia hails from the San Francisco Bay Area, where she spent her summers at the poolside. At the age of 6 she joined a summer league that was also home to Olympic gold medalists Heather Petri and Matt Biondi. Coming from a family of breaststrokers, two of Sonia's older brothers still hold records for the 50 breaststroke at the club. She left California to attend Sarah Lawrence College, where she is proud to have swam on the swim team as it transitioned from a club sport to NCAA Division III. She graduated in 2015 with a degree in Liberal Arts, concentrating in history, filmmaking, and new media. Outside the pool she freelances as a video editor. She also enjoys cooking, baking, practicing yoga, and making interactive artwork. Having took her first steps on the pool deck, Sonia is eager to bring her life-long enthusiasm for swimming to kids of all ages.