For Sophia Tulino, the journey to pursuing a degree in public health began with a simple yet life-changing decision: to declare it her major on her college applications. While balancing a successful volleyball career with her growing interests in health equity and community wellness, Tulino found the perfect match at the University of Washington (UW) to continue both passions. Tulino is now a student-athlete playing her final year of volleyball for the Huskies while pursuing her masters in the Department of Health Systems and Population Health at the UW School of Public Health. In this Q&A, Tulino shares her perspective on the intersection of athletics and public health, her academic and career aspirations, and her passion for advancing health equity.
Tell us the story of how you became interested in public health.
After committing to play volleyball at Santa Clara University during my sophomore year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I liked the idea of working in health care, but I knew that math and science classes weren’t my strengths. I tried shadowing a physical therapist and exploring similar fields, but nothing really clicked.
When it came time to apply to college, I scrolled through the list of majors Santa Clara offered, and public health caught my eye. The required courses seemed interesting, so I decided to declare it as my major on my application. Once I started taking classes, I fell in love with school for the first time.
Around the same time, I was granted an extra year of NCAA eligibility for volleyball due to the pandemic. This opened the door for me to continue my education while playing another year of volleyball. I began researching MPH programs and applied to a few in the fall of my senior year, unsure of what the next year would hold. Eventually, I entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer, and things started to fall into place for me to come to the University of Washington.
Why did you decide to come to the UW for graduate school?
The University of Washington is known for its School of Public Health, and I was drawn to pursuing my MPH at such a renowned institution. The SPH’s mission to advance health equity worldwide resonated deeply with me, especially after reading The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates during my junior year spring break.
I was also impressed by the resources, departments, and groundbreaking public health research at the UW. Studying public health in a vibrant city like Seattle was another major draw.
Being offered a spot on the volleyball team to play my final year of collegiate volleyball for UW’s historic program, which is in its inaugural year in the Big Ten Conference, was a dream come true. On a personal level, my sister attends Seattle Pacific University, and we’re now living together, while my boyfriend and his family also live in Seattle. If I was going to move anywhere for graduate school, it made sense to move closer to two of the most important people in my life.
What areas of public health are you most interested in?
My interests in public health are still broad, but I’m particularly drawn to women’s health, preventive health care, health care policy, the social determinants of health, mental health, health equity, and substance use disorders.
As a volleyball player at the UW, how have your experiences as an athlete informed your perspective on health and wellness as well as public health?
Studying public health through the lens of being a student-athlete has been incredibly eye-opening. As an athlete, I’ve faced mental and physical health challenges, including performance anxiety, depression, and a back injury that required surgery. These experiences were difficult, but they made me more resilient and taught me the importance of relying on a strong support system.
I’ve come to value the community aspect of the social determinants of health through my own journey. As a student-athlete, I had access to incredible resources, including medical care, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and strength training. These experiences taught me the value of a holistic approach to health and wellness.
However, my experiences also opened my eyes to the disparities in access to health care and health education that many people face. These challenges have propelled my passion for promoting equitable access to resources and fostering healthier communities through public health.
How has being part of the UW volleyball team influenced your understanding of teamwork and leadership, and how do those skills translate to your work and goals in public health?
Coming to the UW, I already had four years of Division I volleyball experience, serving as a leader, captain, and co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Santa Clara University. This is my 12th year playing volleyball, and each year has brought new lessons in teamwork and leadership.
At the UW, one of our core values this season is “Together,” and this mindset has reinforced the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Being a student-athlete has taught me how to work effectively with others, navigate difficult conversations, celebrate successes, and share in challenges.
These experiences have also taught me time management, organizational, and leadership skills, all of which are essential in public health. Public health is a multidisciplinary field, and I know that achieving meaningful change will require strong teamwork and effective leadership.
What interests do you have outside of (or related to) public health? Any extracurricular activities?
I have always had a tough time answering this question because volleyball and school have always consumed so much of my life. A goal of mine for when I am done with volleyball is to explore more hobbies. I do love spending time with family, friends, and loved ones, going on walks, spending time outside, drinking coffee and reading. When I am home in San Diego, I also love to go to the beach.