What is the Athena Award?
The Athena award goes to one senior female athlete at each high school, and it’s given to someone with high academics, high inclusive or high involvement in their school and high involvement in athletics.
How did you feel honored with the Athena Award?
I felt excited. I have been playing high school sports since I was in eighth grade, so it really felt like all the (hard) work paid off, and (I am) very proud of myself.
How did those around you react?
They were really excited for me. My parents have watched me, and they’ve taken me to and from high school soccer games since I was 13 years old. So I think they felt proud and excited, because their dedication to me helped.
Is there a moment in your soccer journey that shaped you the most?
What really shaped me was becoming a captain in my junior year because it showed me how to lead and let me see the program from above. I got to learn how to run fundraisers. I got to learn how to run captains’ practices, and I got to learn how to become a leader. I feel like that really shaped who I am, and really gave me skills that I will take outside of high school.
Who pushed you the most to get to the place that you are now?
My soccer coach, Anne Beaton, has helped me. She believed in me when I was an eighth grader and gave me a varsity spot, which was huge. I’ve never had anyone believe in me the way she has, so having someone who believed in me for five years, all throughout my soccer career, has really pushed me. I’m so grateful that I had her as a coach.
How will the skills you learned from soccer and what the Athena Award looks for help you out in the future?
The skills I’ve gained from soccer, like teamwork, leadership and discipline, will help me succeed in college and my future career. The Athena Award recognizes these same qualities, especially strong character, leadership and commitment, both on and off the field. Together, they show that I can work hard, overcome challenges, and positively impact others, which will benefit my future.
Is there any advice you would give to those who aspire to be like you?
Now, I think my biggest advice is to just be proud of the sports you play and give it your best because your best is all you can give. I play flag football as well, and I’ve had multiple people give me shade about that, saying that it’s embarrassing. Brush that off and make sure you’re proud of the sport you play, and no one else’s opinion really matters.
