Sport(s) Played: Soccer & Baseball
Q1: Why did you choose the sport that you play?
I was taught to play soccer at a young age through different camps and rec leagues, but I chose to really pursue the sport because of how strategic the game is. I have never been the most talented or athletically gifted, but I have always been able to outthink and predict opponents in soccer. This is especially true on defense, where your positioning and shape in the formation is extremely important.
Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite Madeira sports memory is beating Tree of Life in PKs during our Final Four run in soccer last year. Our team running to our goalie, Pablo, after he saved the last PK attempt, is something I will never forget.
Q3: How do you get motivated to practice every day?
I I truly just love to play soccer, so getting the chance to play in practices or games is something I take advantage of. I am also extremely competitive. This means any drills that I can win or compete in make practice fun and engaging for me. Finally, whether practice consists of scrimmages or conditioning, completing something difficult gives me a sense of accomplishment at the end.
Q4: Do you have any pre-game rituals or traditions?
I have a few pre-game rituals before games. First, I always mess with the laces on my cleats until I have the right tightness. For some reason, I am always very sensitive to this on gamedays, so I am constantly retying my cleats throughout warmups. Next, this season I have practiced visualization during the national anthem. This helps me to get super focused and confident right before kickoff. Lastly, right before the kickoff to start each half, I go to a spot at the top of the 18-yard box and say a quick prayer to play my best and stay healthy.
Q5: Who’s your favorite athlete you look up to?
My favorite athlete growing up was Joey Votto. Soccer is my favorite sport now, but for a while it was tied with baseball. Also, until recently, Cincinnati didn’t have a major soccer team, and the Reds were one of my favorite teams. Joey Votto was the star for many years on that team and also set a good example in the community, so I idolized him for many years.
Q6: What makes a great teammate?
In my opinion, a great teammate is someone who puts the team above themselves. They are willing to pass, block shots, and do everything possible to win. I believe it is also very important to be connected as a team. This means hanging out, communicating, and wanting to win for the players on the team as much as you do yourself.
Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
My pre-game playlist features two distinct genres. Whenever I need to calm my nerves before a big game or have a long bus ride, I listen to country music. However, when I need to wake myself up or get motivated, I listen to rap. One of my go-to songs that gets me locked in and thinking about success is Congratulations by Post Malone.
Q8: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen or had happen to you in a practice or game?
I would say the funniest game I have played in was at Taylor’s grass soccer field after a big rainstorm. The grass was covered in puddles and mud, so every pass had to be hit extra hard. My favorite memory from this game, though, was the 45-minute bus ride home, where 20+ of my teammates were caked in mud. Luckily, we were able to win that game and have a great time in one of the weirdest games I’ve been a part of.
Q9: What are your plans after you graduate?
I plan to attend college after this year to study either Accounting or Finance with a double major in Business Analytics. I also hope to take advantage of the next few years to travel the world and see as many different sites and cultures as possible.
Q10: What advice would you give an 8th-grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
Believe in yourself. Don’t fear failure. Dream big. Work hard. Stay positive. And enjoy the Journey.