Bay Port High School, soccer
Parents Names: Katie & Jim Gannon
Instagram and Twitter: @_maggiegannon
Position/Event: Goalkeeper
Career Highlight: My career highlight in soccer would definitely have to be saving a few penalty kicks in the Regional Final shootout for the win against Kimberly.
How did you first get started playing soccer?
I first started playing soccer when I was four, simply because I wanted to be just like my older sister.
Was there ever a time when you wanted to quit or thought about pursuing another sport?
Not seriously. I would have loved to have played high school golf but couldn’t manage it with club soccer being the same season and I knew I needed to keep my touches up for high school soccer.
What is your favorite and least favorite part about the sport?
My least favorite part about soccer is definitely the slow practice days where we walk through specific plays and don’t get many touches on the ball. On the other hand my favorite part about soccer is getting to play in high intensity games because I love the pressure and adrenaline that come with those games.
Do you have a specialty on the field?
I would say that my specialty on the field is my ability to read penalty kicks. This is something that I have worked on with all of my coaches over the years and after combining all of their advice I now feel very confident in the net during penalty kicks.
What made you gravitate towards your position as goalkeeper instead of playing somewhere else on the field?
On my U11 team we didn’t have a goalkeeper so everyone on our team had to take a rotation in goal. Most of the girls were afraid of the position but I was the opposite — I ended up really enjoying it.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten from a coach or parent about your sport?
The best advice I have ever received was from my high school coach, Michael Bootz, when he told me that a goalie not only needs good hand skills but also good foot skills. This is what pushed me to work on improving my punts and passes.
What is one game you played that you will never forget?
One game that I will never forget is the 2023 Regional Final game against Kimberly. This is my favorite game because although most everyone thought that we would never win, our team came out and defied the odds. Everyone on that team worked together in order to make that happen.
Do you prefer weightlifting or conditioning?
I like them both, but I do enjoy conditioning more. This is because conditioning helps my team and me be able to play at our best throughout the whole 80 minute game.
How do you typically prepare for a game?
I usually blast one of my favorite songs and roll my windows down on my way to Bay Port. Then I enjoy laughing and having fun with my teammates before we start warm-ups.
What are you most excited for with your upcoming senior season?
I am most looking forward to getting to play with some of my favorite people one last time as well as working to live up to the goals we set for ourselves last season.
What does your personal warm-up/workout playlist look like?
My warm-up playlist has a lot of different types of music on it that ranges from songs by Rhianna to Drake. But no matter what, my team and I always listen to a remix of T-Shirt by Migos before our game.
What is your current favorite movie?
My current favorite movie is definitely “We’re the Millers”.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend a four-year college and get my bachelor’s degree in either nursing or kinesiology.
Do you play any other sports?
Yes, in winter I compete in downhill ski racing.