Sofia is the daughter of Brenton and Melissa Baldree and is a student at Texas A&M University - College Station majoring in public health.
Each TIFT Hostess is nominated by the tournament’s advisory or executive boards and selected by the TIFT Executive Board.
“Criteria is involvement in the TIFT tournament for a significant time preceding the upcoming event, with emphasis on participation and volunteering,” says TIFT board president, Melissa Mikulik.
Sofia is a 3rd generation TIFT participant - a tradition passed down by her grandfather. Sofia has fished and volunteered at TIFT since childhood, and looks forward to the tournament each year, “As TIFT Hostess, I would like to foster that same love and passion for other kids."
TIFT Hostess responsibilities include welcoming anglers and families and engaging with participants during the 5-day event - including during registration; Play Day; weigh-in; and the awards ceremony.
Each TIFT Hostess is also the recipient of the Mike Baldree Memorial Scholarship. A special component to this year’s milestone year as Sofia is his granddaughter. Also of note: Sofia’s aunt, Patience Baldree, served as TIFT Hostess in 1993.
“It truly is an honor to be a TIFT Hostess,” says Sofia. “This tournament means so much to my family and I am honored to represent the its traditions and values that influenced my life.”
For more information on the 85th Texas International Fishing Tournament visit tift.org.
Each TIFT Hostess is nominated by the tournament’s advisory or executive boards and selected by the TIFT Executive Board.
“Criteria is involvement in the TIFT tournament for a significant time preceding the upcoming event, with emphasis on participation and volunteering,” says TIFT board president, Melissa Mikulik.
Sofia is a 3rd generation TIFT participant - a tradition passed down by her grandfather. Sofia has fished and volunteered at TIFT since childhood, and looks forward to the tournament each year, “As TIFT Hostess, I would like to foster that same love and passion for other kids."
TIFT Hostess responsibilities include welcoming anglers and families and engaging with participants during the 5-day event - including during registration; Play Day; weigh-in; and the awards ceremony.
Each TIFT Hostess is also the recipient of the Mike Baldree Memorial Scholarship. A special component to this year’s milestone year as Sofia is his granddaughter. Also of note: Sofia’s aunt, Patience Baldree, served as TIFT Hostess in 1993.
“It truly is an honor to be a TIFT Hostess,” says Sofia. “This tournament means so much to my family and I am honored to represent the its traditions and values that influenced my life.”
For more information on the 85th Texas International Fishing Tournament visit tift.org.
Hostess Selected for the 85th Texas International
South Padre Island, Texas - The Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT), the state’s largest saltwater fishing competition, proudly announces its 85th annual event, set to take place July 30–August 3, 2025, in the scenic waters off South Padre Island and Port Isabel.
Representing the tournament as hostess during this milestone year is Sofia Baldree of McAllen.
