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The relationship started when the coaches from Indiana University slid into Ameia Sorey’s DMs on Instagram. They were interested in learning more about Sorey and giving her the background on their program.

Sorey felt a strong connection after a few phone conversations and made an official visit to campus. The blue chip senior from Miami has committed to the Hoosiers.

“I felt like this is the school that I know I could grow athletically and academically as well,” said Sorey, who also made visits to Penn State, Mississippi State, Georgia and Penn. “Indiana University's Kelley School of Business is ranked high in the country, so if I become pro or go into business I feel I’ll be prepared either way.”

Sorey (WTN: 19.4) was born and raised in Miami. She started following around cheerleaders when she was very young, but her dad encouraged her to try baseball–the sport he played–instead. Someone saw her practicing, commented on her athleticism and encouraged her to play tennis.

“Once I started, I wanted to play tournaments because I really liked the competitiveness,” Sorey said. “Even now, when someone asks me why I enjoy playing it’s because I like competing.”

Sorey has been homeschooled since the fifth grade, but is still able to play for Miami Palmetto Senior High. She became the first girls tennis player in school history to win an individual title when she won the Class 4A crown in 2023 as a sophomore while also helping Palmetto win its seventh overall state team title.

Playing college tennis has been on Sorey’s radar from the very start.

“The main thing for my parents was to get me into college,” Sorey said. “But I really started thinking about it my freshman year. I really loved the team environment and really thought I could play in college.”

Sorey’s recruiting process introduced her to a new world she had never really explored before.

“I didn't know what to expect, especially about the schools. I didn't know a lot of colleges or anything,” Sorey said. “All these colleges were reaching out and people were telling me they are really good schools and I had no idea. I was really surprised by all the schools that were interested in me.”

Although it wasn’t a dealbreaker, Sorey was hoping to attend a college with a successful football team. Indiana wouldn’t have made the cut the last few seasons. But first-year head coach Curt Cignetti has injected new energy into the Hoosiers and their undefeated start has made people take notice.

“That was a big thing,” Sorey said. “I wished our football team was really good because I really want to go to the games. It’s great they are improving.”

Sorey speaks Spanish and is the translator when her family travels to the Dominican Republic and other Spanish-speaking areas. In her free time, she enjoys a common hobby for teenagers.

“I’m really into fashion and shopping,” she said. “I like the girly things and makeup.”

Sorey is excited to get back into a real classroom again once she arrives in Bloomington. She plans to major in marketing with a goal of one day possibly helping her uncle run his business, Sorey Solutions.

Knowing where she will be attending college has eased the pressure Sorey was feeling the last few months.

“The weight has been lifted off my shoulders and my parents’ shoulders,” she said. “I don't have to stress that I'm not committed anywhere, and I can focus more on fitness and training to get ready to play at that level now.”

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About Rhiannon Potkey

Rhiannon Potkey is a veteran sportswriter with more than two decades of experience in journalism. Potkey has covered many sports at many levels and has a passion for finding great stories. Potkey has covered the U.S. Open, junior sectional and national events, college conference championships and Davis Cup matches. Potkey is currently Content Strategist for Tennis Recruiting. You can reach Rhiannon by email at [email protected].