Sport(s) Played: Soccer and Cheer
Q1: Why did you choose the sport(s) that you play?
I’ve played soccer my entire life for both rec and select teams, so the decision to play in high school was easy. Cheer is basically an opposite story. My friend, Annie Demarco, and I always talked about how fun cheerleading would be, but I never thought that I would do it! Another friend, Halle Beck, a cheer captain, persuaded me to try out last year and I made the team! It was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I did it.
Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite Madeira sports memory is beating Mariemont during my junior season because it was a team goal we made early in the season, and we all worked really hard and to get the win was an incredible feeling.
Q3: How do you get motivated to practice each and every day?
I’ve always been motivated by teammates to practice, but now that I’m a captain, I know that it is my role to encourage and keep a culture of hard work on the field. Creating friendships with my teammates makes me want to work hard for the betterment of our team!
Q4: What is your favorite pre-game meal and why do you eat that?
My favorite pre-game meal would have to be my mom’s panini with chicken, cheese, and avocado (cut into triangles). It’s the perfect amount of food and protein to fuel me, but also to not make me too full.
Q5: Which athlete do you admire most and why?
I admire a couple of athletes. I grew up watching my oldest sister Chloe play soccer, and I really think she showed what it means to leave everything you got on the field. I also really admire my teammates who have graduated such as Ana Garcia, Izzy Schaffner, Kennedy Torggler, and Paige Meyer. They showed me what it means to be an Amazon.
Q6: What makes a great teammate?
A great teammate is one who communicates well. You have to encourage and be positive, but also don’t be afraid to ask for more when it seems like someone isn’t giving their all. A great teammate also listens well and should be sacrificial for his/her teammates.
Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
My pre-game playlist consists of some girl power songs, but also some Kanye West and Drake. The playlist that we made to play over the speaker during our warmups always gets me excited!
Q8: What is the funniest thing that you have seen or happened to you in a practice or game?
One time there was a baby bird flying around and landing on the field during our game against CCD last year. The refs tried to shoe it off, but it kept coming back. I took it upon myself to pick up the bird and carry him across the field to safety! Both teams were laughing and someone even yelled that I would get rabies! I still get reminded of my “Snow White” moment to this day.
Q9: What is next after you graduate?
Right now, I’m not exactly sure what my future holds! I’m still exploring what college might be the best fit for me. I hope to continue to play soccer at the club level if I’m given the chance.
Q10: What advice would you give an 8th grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
My advice would be when you feel like giving up, remember who you are playing for. You have to be working for something that is bigger than yourself. Be a good teammate, communicate with your coaches, and remember that you will get through conditioning!