Tallulah Staeger for Girls Soccer:
Q: How would you describe the team’s chemistry and performance this season?
A: I would say our team chemistry is at an all time high and that we are all just happy to be playing soccer every day. I can tell from practice that we are gonna perform amazingly this year and all have a blast.
Q: What are the main goals for the winter season?
A: One goal for the season is to really connect as a team and to have a good time and enjoy being able to play and spend time with each other.
Q: Has there been a standout player or moment that’s inspired the team recently?
A: I would say that the influx of really talented freshmen has inspired us. After losing a lot of talented players last year when the senior class graduated, I know a lot of us were worried about how we would perform this year, but we have had a ton of great freshmen come out to make our team what it is.
Q: How do you balance academics and soccer during such a busy season?
A: I like to get my work done during free periods in the school day so I have little homework left after practice. This allows me to spend more time studying after games and practice instead of doing homework assignments.
Q: What strengths do you think the team has shown so far this winter?
A: One of our biggest strengths has to be our team chemistry as we all get along on and off the field.
Baylor Wilson for Boys Soccer:
Q: What has been the biggest challenge for the team this winter season, and how are you tackling it?
A: Our biggest challenge is definitely the depth of our team as we currently only have 12 players. We’re tackling the challenge by continuing to work hard knowing that we’re going to have to play entire games with minimal substitutions.
Q: How do you prepare for games when weather conditions are not ideal?
A: We just gotta get in the right mindset knowing that we might have to make certain adjustments during the game.
Q: Are there any specific goals or rivalries driving the team this season?
A: We definitely want to beat Grace Bretheren High School and eventually take home the league title.
Carolina Duron-Angeles for Girls Basketball:
Q: What has been the highlight of the pre-season?
A: Team bonding has been the highlight. We’ve been building chemistry and pushing each other in practice, which has been really exciting. We have put in a lot of practice with the team and feel very connected.
Q: As a leader of the team, what do you hope to achieve as an individual and as a team?
A: As a leader, I want to set the right example and help everyone stay focused. Personally, I aim to improve my game and leadership. As a team, I want us to go all the way and win a championship. Also grow as a team and build connections with coaches and teammates.
Q: What is your favorite current basketball shoe in the market?
A: I’m really into the Nike Kevin Durant 16s (KD16s) right now. They have great support, and cushioning, and they look very good on the court.
Jared Sorenson for Boys Basketball:
Q: What do you do in order to stay healthy for games, as you have many that occur within a day of each other?
A: Recovery is always key to a long season and taking care of our body and health to maintain quality play in all of the games.
Q: Who’s your biggest inspiration when it comes to basketball, and how do they influence your game?
A: I look up to Kevin Durant as he has cemented himself as a legend in the game. I love his mid-range shots and try to replicate his moves in game and practice.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season, both as a player and as a teammate?
A: Both bonding as a team and becoming a better basketball player. We have a small group of guys so we have to make sure our team chemistry is on point while also having fun.
Q: What’s something you have worked on in the off-season that you are excited to display on the court?
A: I have improved on my vertical jump through plyometrics, and this will help a lot in the games as vertical is a key aspect to the game of basketball.