The past few weeks we have had some ups and downs as a team.
With under 3 weeks left in our regular season, we have asked a lot of our
upperclassmen when it comes to being leaders on and off the field. Recently,
they answered a few questions for our blog to give insight into their life as a
SU Women's Soccer Player.
1. What has been your
favorite moment from the season so far?
Shannon McGuire: "My favorite moment was the second
goal at the Johns Hopkins. It felt
really good to come out and send a message.
We scored a goal, they answered us and I'm sure they thought it was
over, but we answered them right back.
It was a great feeling."
Mandy Marston: "Personally my favorite moment was
getting cleared to play again! For the first six games I cheered loud from the
sideline, but nothing was sweeter than getting to step on the field for the
first time as a senior. As a team however, my favorite moment was the Hopkins
game. There was just something about that game that was different and exciting.
It was a great game to be at, there was a certain energy that was present among
the team."
2. How has being a
student athlete at Stevenson prepared you for life after college?
Mackenzie Calhoun: "It has improved my time management
skills and given me motivation to push myself to do my best in everything that
I do."
Alexa Narron: "I enjoy working on a team and being in
groups because of soccer. I also have learned not to give up and to push
through any tough situation, which will benefit me outside of college. If I
have a bad game or make a bad play, I tell myself to focus, get over it, and
push harder and believe that I can do better. This mindset will benefit me in
the real world. I also have great time management and know how to prioritize my
time between class, homework, practice, and games. I have learned that hard
work can get you far, and I show that on the field as well as in the classroom."
3. What would your
teammates say is your best quality?
Alexa Narron: "I think my teammates would say my best
quality is my consistency and hard work rate. I don't complain or talk back,
and I try to take what the coaches say and use it to make myself a better
player. I am also fun and enjoy a good laugh!!!"
Mandy Marston: "I would have to go with three: my
weirdness. my awkwardness. and my sense of humor. I'm the total package."
4. What is your pre-game
ritual? Any superstitions?
Shannon McGuire: "My pregame ritual includes listening
to my pregame playlist on my ipod and playing solitare. I have to win before our bus gets their or
win a game of solitaire before we start warming up. It gets me focused and I'm also very
superstitious about it. also have to put
my left cleat on before my right and I wear my hair the same way for every
game."
Mandy Marston: "Before every game I listen to the
"perfect" speech from Friday Night Lights, it gets me pumped up. I
have some songs that I listen to also but they are weird so I keep them to
myself. And as far as superstitions, always right sock on before left sock and
right shoe on before left shoe."
5. Who is your
favorite professional athlete and why?
Alexa Narron: "My favorite professional athlete would
have to be Abby Wambach. Her drive and hunger to win is incredible. She is one
of the hardest workers out there, and sacrifices her body to win almost every
head ball in the box (wish I could do that). She goes in hard on every play and
pushes herself every minute she's on the field. She is also a great leader and
communicator. Every time I've seen her play she is very loud and is always
trying to pump up her teammates. I look up to her and wish I could be like
her."
Shannon McGuire: " My favorite professional athlete is
Abby Wambach. She's an unreal soccer
player, but she has am even better personality.
I got the fortune of playing with her a couple years ago over the summer
for a couple days and she was awesome.
She's funny and she still remains humble after all of her success and
works for more."
6. What advice would
you offer to underclassmen or freshmen?
Mackenzie Calhoun: "Don't be intimidated by other
players or the game itself. Everyone who is on the team obviously has the skill
to be there, so play confident. Also, don't forget about your passion for the
sport and to have fun."
Mandy Marston: "Cherish every moment of this. It only lasts four years and it's over and it
sure does go by fast. Take nothing for granted. Live in the moment and never
wish it was over because before you know it, it will be. The memories I have
made with my soccer family are some of my favorite and funniest ones."