Sophie Velea
Sammamish
Summary
Experienced competitive chess player and student leader with over a decade of tournament experience and a passion for teaching young players. Proven leadership as President of the Washington Student Led Chess Association, organizing tournaments and expanding access to chess education for local students. Strong communicator who enjoys adapting lessons to different learning styles while fostering confidence, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Washington Student Led Chess Association
Washington State
06.2025 - Current
- Lead a student-run nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to chess education.
- Organize community chess tournaments for students throughout Washington.
- Coordinate volunteers, tournament logistics, and event operations.
- Help create opportunities for lower-income students to learn and compete in chess.
Chess Instructor
Washington Student Led Chess Association
Washington State
06.2025 - Current
- Organized and taught summer chess camps serving 20+ students per session across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels.
- Designed engaging lessons covering chess rules, tactical motifs, openings, strategic concepts, and analysis of famous master games.
- Delivered both group instruction and individualized coaching tailored to students' skill levels and learning styles.
- Encouraged analytical thinking, problem-solving, and good sportsmanship while creating an inclusive and enjoyable learning environment.
Vice President
Washington Student Led Chess Association
Washington State
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Assisted with tournament planning and organization.
- Collaborated with board members to coordinate chess events and outreach.
- Supported instructional programs for young chess players.
Education
High School Diploma -
Eastlake High School
Sammamish, WA06-2027
Skills
- Chess Instruction
- Lesson Planning
- Strategic Thinking
- Game Analysis
- Tournament Organization
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Communication
- Patience
- Student Mentorship
- Problem Solving
- Team Collaboration
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Romanian
Native or Bilingual
Competitive Chess Highlights
- Earned the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title.
- Gold Medalist at the Pan American Youth Chess Championship (2×).
- Gold Medalist at the North American Youth Chess Championship.
- Silver Medalist at the World Schools Chess Championship.
- Represented Team USA in international youth chess competitions.
- CONIC (ChessKid Online National Invitational Championship) Champion.
- Washington State Kindergarten Chess Champion.
- Multiple top national rankings within age division.
- Earned 7th Place at the World Cadet Chess Championship.
Accomplishments
- Woman Candidate Master (WCM)
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- Global Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish)
- Poetry Out Loud Class Champion
- DECA State Qualifier
- National English Honor Society
Interests
- Chess strategy and competition
- Teaching and mentoring youth
- Creative writing
- Community service
- Mock Trial
- Reading
Timeline
President
Washington Student Led Chess Association
06.2025 - Current
Chess Instructor
Washington Student Led Chess Association
06.2025 - Current
Vice President
Washington Student Led Chess Association
07.2024 - 06.2025
High School Diploma -
Eastlake High School