Iona University Freshman Sofia Wyllie ’28 Saves Motorcyclist, Wins Citizen of the Year Award
As a motorcyclist lay bleeding on North Avenue, Iona University freshman Sofia Wyllie ’28 sprinted into action. Using her sweatpants as a makeshift tourniquet, police say her heroic actions helped to save the man’s life.
“I just locked in,” recalled Wyllie, a trained lifeguard from Long Island, N.Y. “He was going to bleed out. I had to do something.”
In recognition of her extraordinary response, the New Rochelle Police Department honored Wyllie with its Citizen of the Year Award. An estimated 200 people attended the annual ceremony, held at the Greentree Country Club on May 13, 2025.
Wyllie’s Heroic Actions: On what seemed like an ordinary October day, as Wyllie was on her way to dance class, a motorcyclist was stuck by a van and catapulted onto the road, screaming in agony.
It was in that moment that Wyllie’s training and instincts kicked in. Assessing the scene, she stayed calm and knew she had to improvise. The man’s leg was severely injured. She recognized arterial bleeding. This was a critical situation, requiring immediate action.
With shorts underneath, she removed her sweatpants and fashioned them into a tourniquet – twisting the legs as tightly as possible and tying them above the bleeding. She stayed by the man’s side until emergency responders arrived moments later. Next, she consoled the driver of the van, keeping him calm amidst the chaos.
As the ambulance speed off to the hospital, Wyllie prayed on the street. She then calmly stood up, called her dad and walked back across the scene of the accident to attend class.
Despite the outpouring of praise she has received from the community, she humbly downplays her part. Instead, she gives credit to her guiding principle – faith.
“I don’t feel like a hero. I was just an instrument in God’s plan,” she said. “God had me walk into the accident because He knew I could help.”
Called to Make a Difference: Wyllie’s story resonates deeply with Iona’s mission of faith. Founded in 1940 by the Christian Brothers, Iona inspires students to embrace a life of purpose, rooted in community and service to others. Wyllie embodies these values.
Now, as she takes her next steps at Iona – pursing a degree in Health and Wellness and launching her own personal training business – she said her vision is to continue doing God’s work by empowering others to cultivate both physical and mental strength.
“I just want to make a difference,” she said. “No matter if it’s big or small, I try to make a difference every day – whether it’s smiling at a passing stranger or saving someone’s life on the street.”