Mariella Andrews
Senior
Hinsdale
When did you first start playing soccer?
I started playing when I was 5, the start of kindergarten (in private school).
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I really enjoy just building my skills and becoming a better player, but also being able to meet new people every time I get on the field.
How have you improved since your freshman year?
I feel like I've improved just by getting exposure to playing and playing with different types of people who enjoy playing many different positions. I also enjoy playing many different positions. I feel it makes you a better player if you're able to think in the point of view of every person on the field.
Do you have any pre-game routines?
I really enjoy listening to music. I feel like it hypes myself up along with the team.
What is the best advice you've gotten from a coach?
Even though losses and disappointments will come, it's important to keep your head up and know your time will come, regardless of how long it takes, and it will pay off in the end.
What is your goal for the season?
We really want to just become a great team ourselves, whether that shows through our season and our numbers or our team morale. So far we're pretty close to becoming a really good and connected team, especially since we haven't had the greatest start to our season.
How was Monday's win?
Everybody was excited for everybody, everybody was scoring goals. We're becoming a good, light-hearted, compassionate team, being there for everybody and cheering everybody on.
Where are you attending college?
Loyola University in Chicago to study biochemistry.
What does coach Tony Madonia think of Andrews?
She's the only senior who's not on varsity, and she decided to continue playing and take on a leadership role with the JV team. She's an outstanding kid. She's a soccer player, community member and student who does everything first class, the way you'd expect it to be done, and is always looking to put other people before herself on and off the field.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
