Honesdale standout Sophie Samson wins prestigious basketball award

HONESDALE — For more than half a century, Pacesetter Athletic Club has been at the very heart of the basketball scene in northeastern Pennsylvania. Under the direction of co-founders Ron Ulias and Dom Falduto, Pacesetter always sets the standard for top tier competition and sportsmanship in both boys and girls action. Just recently, Ulias traveled to Wayne County to present a very special award to local cager Sophie Samson.

A standout student-athlete at Saint Dominic’s Academy in Honesdale, Samson is the official recipient of Pacesetter AC’s 2026 “For Love of the Game” award. More: Honesdale's Elyse Montgomery named Pacesetters "For the Love of the Game" award winner Also by Kevin Edwards: Honesdale's Elyse Montgomery helps Scranton to Final Four appearance “I’m really excited and honored to be picked for this award,” Sophie said. “I spend a lot of time playing basketball and really love the game.

This award means a lot and I am very grateful for being selected. ” More than just basketball Sophie is the daughter of Travis and Mary Samson and a sixth grader at St. Dominic’s.

She’s a versatile athlete who plays on the back line in soccer. She also pitches and lines up at shortstop in softball. On the basketball court, Sophie is often tasked with handling the ball as point guard, but she’s comfortable at any position.