Featured Athlete: Paige Ripberger
Grade: 12| Sport: soccer
March 2, 2021
Wingspan: When did you start soccer?
Ripberger: I started playing soccer when I was four years old on The Orange Crush team.
Wingspan: Who encouraged you to start soccer?
Ripberger: My mom really got me started in playing the sport and has encouraged me to stick with it throughout both middle and high school.
Wingspan: What is the hardest part about soccer?
Ripberger: The hardest part is constantly staying in shape during the entire season, fueling your body with the right food, and staying hydrated each and every day.
Wingspan: What’s your favorite part about soccer?
Ripberger: My favorite part of playing soccer has honestly been forming the friendships I have had on various teams, and winning is so amazing too.
Wingspan: Who is your biggest role model?
Ripberger: I would say that my biggest role model is probably my dad because he has always shown me what it means to be a great person on and off the field
Wingspan: What is one thing people think about soccer that isn’t actually true?
Ripberger: A lot of people think it’s easy because you “just kick the ball” but it is a lot more physical and technical than that.
Wingspan: Do you have any superstitions?
Ripberger: I always put my left sock on before my right sock when getting dressed before a game.
Wingspan: Do you have a pre game routine?
Ripberger: We all get gear on, play some music, and warm up in three lines for taking the field.
Wingspan: What or who motivates you?
Ripberger: My teammates are what motivate me the most.
Wingspan: Why do you like soccer?
Ripberger: It is a great way to work off some steam or get touches in when you need a break from other responsibilities.