Sport(s) Played: Soccer and Track
Q1: Why did you choose the sport(s) that you play?
Soccer is my favorite sport, and I’ve been playing it most of my life. My dad was the varsity boys soccer coach when I started school, and we would play all the time in our basement and kicking against the wall at the high school. I’ve kept playing since then. I actually did track to help me be a better soccer player, but I’m still doing it now that my soccer career is over, because it’s helped me get and stay in good condition.
Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
Being part of a soccer team that made the state final four as a senior was really exciting. I had a game-winning assist pretty late in the second half of the district final, so that was probably my biggest moment. But winning the regional championship game in sudden-death penalty kicks was also something I won’t forget.
Q3: How do you get motivated to practice each and every day?
Honestly, I really enjoy playing soccer, and I actually looked forward to practice every day…and then to do extra work after practice. Track? Well, I’m not really sure. I guess I just knew I was committed to getting better and being a part of the team.
Q4: What superpower do you wish you had and how would you use it?
I think I would like the power of teleporting, and I would use it to show up where I need to at the very last second possible.
Q5: Which athlete(s) would you like to have dinner with and what would you talk about?
I would choose to have dinner with Lionel Messi, so I could talk with him about how he became the best player in the world and his journey to finally winning the World Cup. I would also get some good practice for my AP Spanish class.
Q6: What makes a great teammate?
I would say a great teammate is someone who makes everyone on the team feel like a big part of things. A great teammate celebrates the good plays you make and picks you up when you’re not at your best. I’m lucky to have had many in my time at MHS.
Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
You might not believe this, but I don’t have any playlists…pre-game or otherwise. I do like to kick against the wall before playing games. Drumbeat of ball against wall?
Q8: What is the funniest thing that you have seen or happened to you in a practice or game?
Well, this was actually one of my absolute worst plays in soccer. I was a sophomore and we were playing a great game against Fairfield and leading 2-1. It was pretty late in the game, and I fouled someone in the box for a penalty kick. Our opponent scored the game-tying goal, but my teammates, Greg Seremetis and Michael Lauterbach, pointed out that a Fairfield player was in an illegal position. When the ref made them re-kick, we were super-pumped, but the Fairfield player said grouchily, “I don’t know why you guys are so excited. I’m just going to make it again.” Well, our goalie Ruchan Kocaoglu made an amazing diving save, and then we all were really jumping around and mobbing him. We ended up holding on for one of the biggest wins of that season. (And, yes, I was immediately subbed out of the game for the final minutes.)
Q9: What is next after you graduate?
I’m not going very far…Xavier University. I’ll be studying in the Politics, Philosophy, and the Public program. I also plan on playing intramural soccer.
Q10: What advice would you give an 8th grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
Make a point of enjoying your time playing sports. You won’t regret giving your all every day, because you’ll be amazed at how much you can improve over four years.