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Mia Summers

10/14/2019

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Mia Summers -Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Dolores Lamoglia
Photography by Carlos Lamoglia and Emma Summers
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Mia Summers lives and loves soccer! Upon transferring to College Park High School her sophomore year, she earned Newcomer of the Year for UIL district 15-6A, 1st team All-district, MVP Defensive player for her team and Montgomery County Newcomer of the Year. Standing at a petite 5’0”, she dominates as a defensive player for her school team, and as a forward/midfielder for her club team, Challenge ECNL-R. She is inspiring as she plays with grit and heart. It’s no wonder her teammates say, “She’s kind of a big deal”.
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Photography by Carlos Lamoglia

​How do you apply lessons you have learned in soccer to everyday life?
The most important lesson soccer has taught me so far is to have a good work ethic. This is easily applied to my everyday life in the sense that a good work ethic is essential no matter what I am going to do in the future.

How has soccer made you to not give up and keep pushing through when times get hard?
Starting from a young age, I was able to learn quickly that in the game you cannot be successful based on a single moment, it is a gradual process. What helped me realize this the most was the moment that I was moved down to a lower team when all of my friends had been placed on the higher-level team. Initially my spirit was crushed, and I thought there was no hope in getting better at the game. This experience helped me realize that the only way I will ever be successful would be by pushing through when times are hard and using it as fuel to be better.
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Photography by Carlos Lamoglia
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​Do you find it challenging to be on the shorter side? Why or why not?
My height has always just been challenging regarding my self-confidence. It was discouraging when kids would tease me or always make it a point to tell me how short I was as if I didn’t already know. I have always been the shortest kid in the class, on the team, you name it. At first the thought of that really bothered me, but as time passed, I grew to love it because shortness is what makes me so unique in life and unexpected on the field. The second I stopped thinking that being taller was necessary in order to achieve my goals, I began to see success in soccer.

Tell us about some awards you have won, and which is most special to you? Why?
In club soccer, there really are no individual awards, but I have many medals and trophies from winning tournaments with my team. In high school soccer, it is different. I have won titles such as second team all-district and most talented player my freshman year. Upon transferring to a tougher district during sophomore year, I not only won first team all-district and most valuable defensive player, but I also got newcomer of the year for the district and Montgomery County. I have to say that being awarded newcomer of the year for my county is the most special to me because I was so excited when voting was over, and I found out that I was the athlete with the most votes. It is also the most special to me because it made me believe that having to transfer schools after my freshman year happened for a reason.

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Photography by Carlos Lamoglia
​If you never picked up soccer, what do you think you would be doing?

I honestly feel like I would be a different person today if it weren’t for soccer. However, if I were to do anything other than soccer, I would be a singer.
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Photography by Emma Summers
3 things on your bucket list?
I want to visit Australia with my Grammy
I want to hike Mt. Everest
I want to go horseback riding along El Costa Del Sol in Spain

Mia will be featured in Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Logan Reyes

8/6/2019

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Logan Reyes – New Mexico
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Flores Studios
​Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Logan Reyes is an inspiration and mentor to our youth soccer teams in the area. Over the years he has mentored the youth and they admire him and his accomplishments, inspiring them to aim high and pursue their dreams on and off the field. He is heading to Otero Jr. College to continue his soccer career as a Goal Keeper for the Rattlers.


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​What do you love most about mentoring athletes apart of youth soccer teams?
I love mentoring youth soccer players because I remember when I was younger I idolized the older soccer players I would see. Whether it be a pro, college, or even high school player I always wanted to be like them. Meeting and learning from them was always a great experience so now I try to return the favor whenever possible.

How did you get involved with playing soccer and how has the sport impacted your life?
I started soccer when I was about 5 years old and stuck with it. I truly fell in love with the game when I turned 10 and wanted to go as far as I possibly could playing soccer. That drive got me to where I am today, playing college soccer.

Tell us a about your family and their values that has helped influenced how you were raised. 
I owe everything to my parents, they raised me to always do the right thing and respect everyone. Without them I would never have achieved all I have. 

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​How has where you have grown up shaped who you are as a person?
Growing up I always had my family around me and made me very family oriented. I always am for my family first and do all that I do for them. Not having much to do in a small town leads you to sports and has you play whenever you can with your team.
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What do you enjoy doing with your friends during your free time?
Coming from a small town there isn’t much to do. My friends and I would go to Sonic, someone’s house, or even play hide n’ seek in Walmart. As long as we were together, we enjoyed every moment and made the best of every situation and brought out the best in each other.

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Image by a friend
​What do you find most rewarding towards being a positive influence for others? 
Being a positive influence is rewarding because you are shaping the future of the soccer team, the city, even the next generation.

Logan will be featured in Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Sarah Wainwright

6/27/2019

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Sarah Wainwright - Alabama
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jennifer Wainwright
Images by Stacy Jay Photography
Inspiring Teens Magazine – Issue 23


​The Nomination: Sarah Wainwright is not your average teenager. She is the most considerate, always thinking of others first, person you will ever meet. She is a strong Christian girl who reads her bible and does devotions daily. She is always trying to figure out how to help someone else. She is passionate about what she wants and strives to give more than 100% in everything she does in school with grades and sports. She always tries to do the right thing in every situation.
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In what way has your faith impacted how you live your life?
My faith has impacted my life by changing my way of thinking and helps me choose whether to do certain things or not. I am not perfect, but my faith has helped me face temptations and turn the other way.

How does your faith in Jesus strive you to be a better person?
I always give 110% at everything I do. I try to treat people the way I would want to be treated. I try to be a positive influence on social media by putting bible verses up or encouraging quotes so people can see them and have a change in their heart or just make them feel happy when they are sad and to know that they are loved.
What are some ways you strengthen your faith daily?
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Every night I read a daily devotional and then I like to mark the things I find important or that stand out to me. Then I like to mark the bible verse from the devotion in my bible.
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​What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always work hard in everything you do even if you’re the only one trying because it will work out in the long run. Never give up!

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
 I am a very organized person and I am always on top of everything.

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Pizza soda dogs

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Play in the FIFA World Cup
2. Go to Hawaii
3. Go to Disney Land in Paris

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Image by Jeb Wainwright
When did you start playing soccer and how did you get interested in playing it?
I started playing soccer in the 8th grade. My friend encouraged me to play so I decided to try it out. When I played my first game, I realized that I loved it and wanted to play forever.

What type of dance is your favorite and how did you first get involved with dance?
My favorite type of dance would have to be Hip Hop or jazz. My mom first put me in dance when I was 2 years old and I stopped dancing at 14 years old to pursue soccer. While I was in dance I participated in many competitions and I got to dance at Disney World and perform in The Russian Nutcracker Ballet.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
 Playing college soccer and working to be an athletic trainer. 


Sarah will be featured in Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Maddie Reinebold

6/15/2019

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Maddie Reinebold - Colorado
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Nena C Photography
Issue 22 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

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The Nomination: Maddie inspires me every day. She lettered in Varsity soccer her Freshman year, plays on one of the highest club soccer teams in our area, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and making the Honor Roll. She has received numerous awards including Academic Excellence Recognition from the Leadership and Global Communications Academy at her school and the MVP Award while swinging as goalkeeper for both the Varsity and JV teams. Her hard work, dedication, and positive attitude are present in everything she takes on and no challenge is too great or goal too big for her to tackle. ​
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​How did your soccer career begin?
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My soccer career began when I was six years old. I really didn't know which sport I wanted to play, but I knew I wanted to play sports. When I was two, I would always run onto the soccer field when my brother was playing his games. My family thought soccer was the perfect fit. Since then, I have grown to love the game and have worked very hard to improve so I can reach my goals and dreams.
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What are some ways you have overcome challenges you faced throughout your life?

​One of the biggest challenges I have had to overcome was an injury. Two years ago, I broke my collarbone during the President's Cup. I had to put my training and goals on hold to recover. It took six months to heal and be cleared to play. It took a long time to get back my strength. However, by practicing, additional training, and strength and conditioning I was able to come back. Now I am working hard to push myself to be stronger than ever before.
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When you are not on the field playing soccer, or studying for school, what is something else you like to do in your free time?

​Soccer and school work take up most of my time, but when I am not doing these things you can usually find me working out, hanging out with family or friends, camping, hiking, or walking my dog. I love being active and getting out of the house, I cannot stand sitting still.
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If someone got discouraged because they can't fulfill their dream, how would you help them?

I would talk to them and try to encourage them to keep working towards their dreams and their goals. Sometimes the path to reaching your goals or dreams is not always easy and can be discouraging, but if you stay focused and work hard you can reach your goals and dreams. You'll never reach your goals if you give up.

Maddie will be featured in issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Tristen Morris

4/29/2019

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Tristen Morris – Texas
Interview by Zoe Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Optical Poetry
Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine


​The Nomination: Tristen Morris is inspiring because on top of waking up stunning each day, she also competes on a club soccer team. She has officially signed to play at Angelo State next year and is looking forward to continuing her education and taking on new challenges. When she isn't playing soccer, she enjoys wake-boarding at the lake and racing her dirt bike. She has a heart for animals and is often seen with a dog in her arms. It is inspiring to see a young lady who is active and can hang with the boys, but who also cleans up like a super model. Truly the best of both worlds!
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When did your career in soccer begin? What position do you play? What is your favorite part about playing for a club team?

My soccer career began when I was three years old. My mom played soccer her whole life so she signed me up. At my first soccer game I dribbled the ball down the field at kickoff and scored right away, this is when my parents knew that this would become my passion. Today, I play for Dallas Sting, the same club my mom played for, and I play attacking mid. My favorite part about soccer is all the skills it teaches you. Not just physically, but mentally, soccer has taught me respect, perseverance, and integrity. 
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Tell us about your experiences playing soccer against Sweden and South African teams.

Playing soccer against Sweden and South Africa was an amazing experience. I played against them in Dallas International Cup. The coolest part about it was hearing them speak in a different language and not knowing what they are saying. It was also cool to interact with them after the game and see how happy they were to be playing in the United States.
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​When did you learn about wake-boarding? How often do you wake-board?

I have gone to Caddo Lake in East Texas since I was a baby. I even call it my second home. It is known for being the only natural lake in Texas and it is absolutely beautiful. At the age of six, my dad taught me how to wakeboard. The first try I got up on my board, and ever since I have fallen in love with it. I wakeboard almost every time I go to the lake.​

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?

Some advice that I would give is to always be confident within yourself. I believe confidence is the key to success. When you are confident with yourself or in what you are doing, you can achieve your goals that you are trying to reach. This past year I was diagnosed with anxiety that made me severely sick. During this time, I struggled to find strength I needed to overcome this. I was constantly doubting myself on my looks, personality, and what others thought of me. But I realized that if I had the confidence on knowing who I am and that it doesn’t matter what others think, that I could get through it. I just needed to find myself and gain the mental ability to persevere through this hard time. Teenagers around the world struggle with anxiety or believe that they are not enough or not wanted by others. With my story and past experiences, I hope to inspire others by helping them realize their self-worth, and how truly great life is when you know your worth. 



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Image by Kim Morris
What type of dog is your favorite? Why? What is your second favorite animal?

My favorite type of dog is a Shorkie. It is a mix between a Yorkie and a Shih-tzu, my dog Mookie, is this breed. Mookie has become my best friend and even when I’m in a bad mood he puts a smile on my face. He is the perfect size and beyond adorable. My second favorite animal is a cat. I have a cat named Speedy who follows me around the house and even comes to a whistle.

Tristen will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Brooklynn Hudgins

3/28/2019

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Image by Nicole Hunsburger

Brooklynn Hudgins - Pennsylvania
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Photography by Abbe Kiwak, USYS Soccer Photography & Nicole Hunsburger
Inspiring Teens Magazine Issue 19

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​The Nomination:  Brooklynn goes to Pennridge High School and plays for the high school soccer team. She also plays for Eastern Pennsylvania’s Olympic Development Program and for Continental Football Club. She is playing for the first ever @phillyonestar women's team and plays in the @wpsi.
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Image by USYS Soccer Photography
How did you become interested in soccer and how did you start?
I have played soccer since I was 3 years old and ever since then I have had a passion for soccer.


What kind of community comes with being a part of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Olympic Development Program?
EPYSA and ODP has provided me with the opportunity to play with an amazing group of girls who also feel passionately about the game. When we are on and off the field, there is a sense of family. We love to compete and represent East PA, but we also have a strong friendship and bonds that will last when we end our ODP run this year.

Tell me a little bit about the Continental Football Club. 
Continental Football Club (CFC) is a travel soccer team that I have joined this year. I love all the coaches there and my team (U-17 NPL) make soccer even more fun. They are a highly competitive club and we travel often for our games.

What position do you play on your teams?
I am a full-time goalkeeper. Ever since I was 10 years old, I decided that I wanted to play goalkeeper because it was the right fit for me and the position I enjoyed most playing.

What opportunities will you receive for being a member of the Brand New Philadelphia Lonestar team?
Getting to play with the Philadelphia Lonestar team will allow me to see a whole new perspective to soccer. The level of talent this team has is something I am so excited to be a part of. Playing for this team will allow me to develop friendships with people from around the east region and help me improve how I play my game. 

What kind of commitment do you have from each of these teams? Do you have a lot of free time? 
All teams require the best commitment you can give. Because of this, all these teams have become my life because of the traveling my teams go to. For example, I went to California for my ODP team for a tournament and then the next weekend I went to Boston for my Continental team. With all the traveling for these teams every weekend and the practices during the weekdays, I have very little free time. But, I enjoy this schedule because I love playing soccer and I get to do it with girls that I am really close with.
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Image by Abbe Kiwak
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work for your goals- without hard work, it is difficult to achieve your goals and aspirations. But with hard work, it seems as if anything is possible.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be going to college and playing college soccer while studying medicine.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I work towards my goals. Hard work beats talent which is what I try to remember with everything I do whether it be academic or sports related.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
We have this huge calendar with everything going on in my family’s schedule. Since I have a family of 5, it’s hard to keep up with everything. My mom always is organized and on top of everything with all of our schedules, so I give her a lot of credit for helping to keep me organized.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn't in your nomination?
Recently, I was selected to go on the game show “The Classh-room” where three students go against three teachers and test their knowledge. It was such a fun experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 


Brooklynn will be featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Joe Gryboski

3/23/2019

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Joe Gryboski - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Jennifer Dunn Photography
Issue 16 Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination:  I cannot say enough good things about Joe! Not only is he an Eagle Scout, he also plays varsity soccer and manages the girls’ basketball team. Joe is a great student and very driven. The best thing about Joe for me is how helpful and fun he is. He adds so much as the only guy on my model rep team. He makes each session so much fun for everyone! 
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How did you become interested in soccer?
I became interested in soccer as a kid who just wanted to get out of the house and have fun. I started playing soccer when I was three years old, and I haven’t stopped playing since. I started 
playing rec-league, but I decided that I wanted to improve my skills heading into high school, so I tried out for a travel team. I have played for the Kentucky Fire Jrs. and for the Southern Indiana United club teams. While travel ball was a lot of fun, I have made some of my best memories and friends playing soccer for my high school, Our Lady of Providence. Two of these incredible memories include getting to play in the Indiana State Championship game as a sophomore and leading my team to the Semi-State Finals as a senior. 

​What are your experiences of being the only guy on your model rep team?
Being the only guy on Jennifer Dunn Photography’s model rep team has been interesting to say the least. While the female models are usually doing similar things on shoots, Jennifer and I get come up with unique ways to include me. This results in me being the subject in photos that really stand out. I have been given the opportunity to be creative and express myself in ways that I hadn’t thought of before. My mom originally forced me to join Jennifer’s team, but I am thankful that she did because I have developed a real interest in photography. 


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Image by Dawn Gryboski
Tell me about your Eagle Scout leadership opportunities.
It had always been my goal to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout; I fulfilled this goal this past summer with the completion of my Eagle Scout Project. My project was providing Norton Children’s Hospital with two gaming carts that were equipped with a Wii, an Xbox, and a flatscreen TV. During this project I oversaw the fundraising, construction, and installation of these carts, which included working with over 50 people. Throughout this whole process, I learned that I was capable of leading others whether it was listening, guiding, or instructing them. I am very proud to have been able to help out my community.

​What are your plans for the future?
While I don’t currently know which college I will be attending this Fall, I do know that I want to major in Sports Medicine Physical Therapy, and possibly minor in Photography. I want to study Sports Medicine Physical Therapy because of my love of helping others and my love of sports. I have encountered numerous injuries during my athletic career, so I have seen firsthand how important the job of Physical Therapists can be. I want to minor in Photography because of my new interest in that creative field. I have always been intrigued by it because my mom has let me use her camera before, but the experiences of being on Jennifer Dunn’s model rep team has solidified my interest. 

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Joe was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!


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Allison Moreau

3/12/2019

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​Allison Moreau – 17 – New York
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nominated and Photography by Eve Taverne Photography
Issue 17 | Athlete
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​The Nomination: Allison is currently at 2266 career points, 3rd place in NYS Section III for Girls Basketball, all-time scoring record for her school. She is the NYS Section III Soccer Career Shutout Leader for 2018 and received a Div II college soccer scholarship from Lemoyne.
She mentors, volunteers and raised $2300 for Think Pink in memory of her coach and his daughter who passed within 6 weeks of each other last year.

Update since her nomination! Allison finished her basketball career with total of 2286 points.  3rd behind Breanna Stewart (WNBA MVP) and Iowa State Star Emily Durr!
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​How did your interest of basketball and soccer start?

My hometown provides many opportunities for older athletes to volunteer their time mentoring young and upcoming players. Growing up participating in these programs at a young age, I looked up to these role models and began to develop a love of both soccer and basketball. The inspiration I gained encouraged me to always work to improve my skills. I now enjoy being the older athlete teaching a younger generation how to play and embrace the sports I love.

Tell me about the NYS Section III Soccer Career Shutout Leader for 2018.

I am very humbled to have reached this milestone. I was fortunate through the years to have very strong teammates that helped me get to this record. With a coach who had a philosophy of “defense first”, I did my best to keep the ball out of the net each and every time. Throughout my high school career, I was able to do this in 61 games to break the shut-out record held in Section III in NY State.

What is Think Pink and how are you involved?

Our soccer and basketball teams were coached by Tim Clive and his son Devin. Tim’s daughter and Devin’s sister, Kari, lost her battle with breast cancer in late December last year. Coach Tim Clive passed away unexpectedly 6 weeks later from cancer as well. As a 3-year Captain of both teams, I helped organize events at our games to raise money for cancer research in memory of Kari and Tim Clive. Our events included bakes sales, donations, raffles and were strongly supported by our community and other schools in our area. Our last event was a “Shoot for a Cure” basketball game and the opposing team’s coaches wore pink and their players donned pink shoelaces in support.


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If you weren’t involved with basketball and soccer, what do you think you would be doing and why?

If I were not involved with soccer and basketball, I would most likely be involved with activities helping young kids. I know how much I admired and looked up to older students and how much they helped me over the years, I would try to do even more mentoring, tutoring or whatever helped kids to grow and reach their full potential.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be attending LeMoyne College in the fall. I will be playing soccer for the Dolphins as a Goalie and working toward an academic degree that allows me to continue helping children.


Allison will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Holly Simmons

2/24/2019

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Holly Simmons
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination & Photography by Daniel Simmons Photography
Issue 18 | Sports
Florida


​The Nomination: Holly Simmons is a busy girl! She plays soccer, rides horses, plays drums and guitar, and still finds ways to volunteer! She was homeschooled from 3rd grade and graduated 7 months early. She gave over 200 hours to the American Red Cross while stationed with her parents overseas at RAF Mildenhall. ​
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What were your experiences like being home schooled?

I really enjoyed homeschooling a lot. It opened the world for me in ways that it wouldn’t have if I had gone to a regular school.
My experiences were unique. I had a lot of opportunities to travel and go out learning things hands on and I really enjoyed that. While we were in England for 4 years on military orders, I didn’t have to stay on a rigid school schedule, but rather, I could have a flexible one and, because of that, I got to have so many different experiences. I was also able to graduate a year earlier than most. I have to say, it did come with its challenges despite all these positives.

​​Tell me about your volunteering opportunities.

While we were in England, I really enjoyed volunteering for the Red Cross. Every summer, I was always helping through them. It stared at the Library on Mildenhall, I was always reading books, so getting to learn about how a library works internally sounded like a good opportunity. I went from volunteering at the Library to the Youth Center on Lakenheath. I adored those kids, and they were sad to see me go which made it even more rewarding because it showed they really enjoyed my company. The following year, I went to the Pediatric Care center in the hospital on Lakenheath where I found my true passion; Sports Medicine-like subjects.

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What were your some of your favorite extracurricular activities?

I had a few favorite activities that I enjoyed doing. Riding horses, playing soccer, and playing instruments were my favorite out of all of them. When I was 6, I started playing soccer. I lettered as a sophomore in soccer while I was on the travel varsity team with Lakenheath High School and continued playing with another team as soon as we got back in the states. 

I also got into playing the guitar at age 6. Two years later, in 2008, I started getting into playing the drums and was always told that I was my teacher’s fastest learner and I always amazed him.
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During this same year, I was given horse riding lessons for my 8th birthday and it was a passion that never died. To this day, I still ride, and I want it to follow me throughout my life. 
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​What are your plans for the future? 

I would like my future plans to involve being part of an equestrian team and to compete for Auburn university. I have taken a heightened interest in studying the biomedical field and becoming an equine vet. I love being around horses and I want to pursue something that I am passionate about for the rest of my life. 

Holly will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.
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Laura Kercher

12/8/2018

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Interview with Larissa Chelius | Submitted by Laura Kercher 
Nomination & Photography by Betsy Snyder of Simply Time Photography 
New York

​The Nomination: Laura is an amazing athlete and loves everything there is to love about playing soccer. She moved to the US from Germany when her father took a job in Upstate NY. She is one of the most upbeat, enthusiastic girls you will ever meet, and you can't help but smile and have a great time when you are around her! She is fluent in both German and English and has excelled in everything she has done from Soccer, to Academics, to Acting etc.
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​Everyone experiences events at one time or another that significantly impact the course of their lives and I am no different than anyone else in that aspect. When I was 7 years old my family and I moved from Germany to the United States. This adventure helped me to realize that any obstacle can be overcome when you have your family to back you up. Moving to the United States and having to adapt to a new culture has also taught me the value of being more open minded in both my thoughts and experiences. It has also helped me to recognize that love has no boundaries, and no matter how far away you are from your extended family they will always be there to support you. Moving to the States has shown me that family is not only limited to the people that you are blood related to. You build a family by forging bonds with the people that surround and love you. Through this, my family and I have found a second family that we call “Our American Family.” 
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​When you are part of a German family it is not difficult to fall in love with soccer. As an inherent part of my culture, it was something that I was always surrounded by and effortlessly developed a passion for. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with playing the sport, and I was even lucky enough to play in college. Soccer is something that will always be a part of my life, whether or not I am an active player.
Simultaneously to my soccer career, I was introduced to acting around the age of 14 by my chorus teacher. Through her, I became involved with the drama club at my High School, which became another hobby that I grew to love and pursued through my 4 years of High School.  
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​My aspirations for the future also include pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist. I have been fascinated by everything revolving around teeth since the 6th grade when I got my braces. In addition to my career goals, I want to become an amazing mother. Just as my mom always has been to my brother and I, I hope to one day be as incredible of a mother as she is. One important lesson that my family has taught me is that work and money isn’t everything in life. At the end of the day, family is always there for you and collecting paychecks and experiences means nothing without having people you love to share it with. Besides, I think being a soccer mom would also be pretty cool, not going to lie!  

​This interview was published in Issue 15
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Soccer in Disney

4/12/2018

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By Kari Jim

Every year, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Center located in Orlando Florida, holds a country-wide elite soccer showcase. And this past Thanksgiving, I had the chance to go. I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old, and have been dreaming of going to this tournament ever since I first heard of it.
 
            This year my soccer team, PA Rush, qualified for the Disney Showcase Tournament. We have been trying to get in for the past two years and finally, our wish came true. When my team first found out we were going to this showcase, we were all so excited. We knew we were going to have fun on this trip, but we weren’t expecting to have as much fun as we did.
 
            We scheduled our flight to be on the last day before Thanksgiving break officially started. We arrived in Orlando around 8 o’clock that Tuesday. Only a couple of my teammates were already at the hotel so we decided to meet up with them. I remember not being able to sleep at all that first night, because I was too excited for the next couple of days.
           
            Wednesday was our only full day with nothing planned. Since we didn’t have any games scheduled for Wednesday, we decided to do something fun. Some of the girls went to Animal Kingdom while some went to Universal Studios. I was one of the few that went to Universal (and we had more fun than the girls that went to Animal Kingdom). We spent the whole day—from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.—walking around, going on practically every ride we could. We didn’t even realize how late it was until we saw people clearing the roads, getting ready for what looked to be a parade. And it was in fact a parade—a Christmas parade. The parade lasted for a good 30 minutes and then we decided to finally go back to the hotel and get some rest. The next day would be our first game and we honestly had no idea what to expect.
 
            Walking into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Center the next day, no one imagined it would look the way it did. We walked past the widely recognized big red globe, and it looked like we were walking into a 5-star resort. There were palm trees lining every sidewalk and there was an overwhelming sense of elite competition. With too many soccer fields to count, it took us almost 15 minutes to find our playing field.
 
            After warming up and walking over to the players side of the field, my teammates and I looked over to the sidelines to find many college coaches already seated and ready to watch us play. I was already nervous to begin with, and knowing that there were college coaches watching, made me even more nervous. But the game went pretty well: we ended up winning 2-1. By the time the game was over it was nearing 5:00, and everyone was hungry for some Thanksgiving dinner back at our hotel. Our whole team sat at one long table, enjoying our food, grateful for the opportunity to be in Orlando, and talking about how excited we were for our next game.
 
            The next day we had to get up early for our game. Although we were feeling very confident, we lost the game 3-1. None of us were too mad though, because we knew we played well. And since our game was early in the morning, everyone was too excited to go to a park afterwards. Most of my team decided to go to Magic Kingdom. Once arriving at the park, we realized that any other day would have been better to be in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The sidewalks were so crowded; it took us 20 minutes to just get past the entrance. We didn’t end up doing a lot that day, all the lines were too long for our tired legs.
 
            The following day, walking out of the ESPN complex and towards the fields, there was incredibly dense fog everywhere. You couldn’t even see past the first field. And of course, our field was in the very very back. Once again we walked for about 20 minutes before we reached our playing field. We were competing against a team from Florida, and by the looks of these girls and the dense fog, we figured this game was going to be interesting. It was about 65 degrees outside, pretty warm if you’re from PA—but the team we were playing thought otherwise. About half of their players were wearing Under Armour long sleeves and gloves. One of the players even wore leggings under her shorts. We watched in amusement as they complained about how cold it was.
 
            The game was very tough but we came out winning 2-0. It was not an easy win by any standards. The girls were very aggressive. I ended up having to leave the game for a short time due to a bloody nose after a strong elbow to the face. After many many fouls and even a few opposing parents cursing at the referee in Spanish, we walked out of the complex with our heads held high. We were so proud of ourselves in this highly competitive tournament.
 
            Many of my teammates left that day, and the few who stayed went to yet another park. Some of us even managed to visit two parks. After spending a few hours in Hollywood Studios—riding Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster—we decided to head over to Epcot for our last park. After riding a few space rides and walking around the World Showcase, it was time to head back to the hotel totally exhausted for our last night.
 
            The plane ride home was pretty boring. No one was looking forward to going back to school the next day. Looking back at everything that happened on this trip, I hope I get the opportunity to could go back and compete in this incredible venue again. For any athlete that gets the chance to go to the ESPN Wide World of Sports center, do it. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
 
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