Featured Athlete: Paige Ripberger

Grade: 12| Sport: soccer

Featured+Athlete%3A+Paige+Ripberger

Harley Classe, Assistant Sports Editor

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.