Junior Maggie Manders is on the varsity soccer team and is an athletic trainer.
At a Glance:
Favorite soccer player: Crystal Dunn
Must have pre-game snack: Granola bar and Gatorade
Go-to pump up song: “Cover Me Up” by Morgan Wallen
Favorite activity to do in your freetime: Calligraphy and making cards
Looking Deeper:
The Red Ledger: How long have you been playing soccer?
Maggie Manders: I have been playing soccer since I was four years old. I started club soccer for Sting Soccer Club when I was six years old.
TRL: Why did you start playing soccer?
MM: I started playing soccer because some of my school friends began playing. My mom signed me up, and I was on a team called Girl Power.
TRL: What went into the training process for you to make varsity?
MM: It took a lot of hard work and determination. My tryout process was different from other players because I was in swim for the majority of the first semester. Coach Keeble only had a week and a half to evaluate my playing abilities.
TRL: Why did you become an athletic trainer?
MM: Last year, when I was a sophomore, I took sports medicine, and I really enjoyed the class. Near the end of the year, spring football began and required more assistance because senior trainers were working with other sports. I went to help out with one of the practices, and I really enjoyed it.
TRL: What is it like being both a player and trainer?
MM: Since I am both a soccer player and trainer, I have a super busy schedule. I wake up early to set up football practice and stay late if there is a game. I have soccer practice from 6:30-8:00 after school. I’ve had to learn how to manage my time efficiently.
TRL: How do you balance the workload?
MM: In order for me to find the best balance, I set aside time to complete homework and try to plan out all assignments so that everything gets finished. Using a planner is extremely helpful because I write down things that need to be accomplished as well as my schedule for the day.
TRL: How has being a trainer changed the way you train for soccer?
MM: I am more aware of the risks in playing soccer. I pay more attention to my body and make sure I don’t overwork or injure myself. It has allowed me to help others whether that is taping ankles, stretching or icing.
TRL: Are you hoping to continue either activity into your future?
MM: I plan on using my knowledge from athletic training to assist me in a degree in Kinesiology and a job in a sports medicine related career.
