Sophia Groth: Adoption, Pressures of Performance, and Finding Worth Beyond Gymnastics

On this episode of Love Letter Faith, Chapple Chandler sits down with Sophia Groth — a former All-American gymnast at Auburn University now serving in development for SMU Athletics — for an honest conversation about identity, performance, and being chosen. From a young age, gymnastics wasn't just something Sophia did — it was who she was. The medals, the pressure, the expectations, and the spotlight all shaped her sense of worth. But beneath the achievements was a deeper story. Adopted from China as a baby, Sophia shares the miraculous details of her early life — how her paperwork was unexpectedly moved to an adoptable orphanage file, and how a nanny secretly took her home to care for and feed her. What could have been forgotten became a testimony of divine protection. In seventh grade, during a dark and defining season, Sophia met Jesus. And slowly, her identity began to shift from performance to belonging. Together, Chapple and Sophia talk about: The pressure of tying your worth to achievement What it means to be chosen — in adoption and in Christ How understanding God as Father reshapes identity The difficult but beautiful transition out of elite sport Representing Baby Steps through NIL and supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies The Scripture that anchored her story: Ephesians 3:20 Sophia's story is a reminder that you are not what you achieve. You are not what you produce. You are not what you perform. You are chosen. You are known. You are loved. And in Christ, your identity is secure. Follow Chapple here: https://www.instagram.com/chapplechandler/ Follow Love Letter Faith here: https://www.instagram.com/loveletterfaith/ Follow Sophia Groth here: https://www.instagram.com/sophia_groth