Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Jill and Bob Courtois
Siblings: Gage
Position or events: Defender
Career Highlight: My career highlight was being named Defensive Player of the Year by my coaches.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
Seven years old.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My brother participated in a “Drills and Skills” practice when he was younger. I would go with my mom each week to watch and I always wished I was down on the turf instead of being up in the bleachers watching, so one day the coach asked if I would like to join and that marked the beginning of my soccer journey.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
No, when I was younger I danced competitively. Once I reached middle school, I had to make the tough decision: dance or soccer. I chose to pursue soccer, and I am very proud of my decision.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
As a freshman and a sophomore, there were not many advanced classes that were offered through my school, so my schedule was on the easier side. This greatly helped me be able to balance my schedules easily. Junior and senior year, I decided to take multiple advanced classes, so I had to learn how to balance out schedules quickly. I have learned how to better manage my time and make sure I never fall behind.

What is your favorite part about this sport?
My favorite part about soccer is the way it brings people together and creates a family on and off the field.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
I have stuck with soccer for this long because I have gained so many friendships throughout the years. Also, the competition that comes with the sport motivates me to continue playing.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/track?
My biggest asset on the field is my leadership. I always try my best to lift my teammates up and continue to encourage everyone no matter how the game is going.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experience in high school soccer was going to state my freshman year.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
I feel a deep sense of accomplishment when looking back throughout highschool and seeing my growth. I feel as if I have not only grown as a person but also as an athlete.

Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
I make sure to listen to music with my teammates before our games and always have to have a braid in my hair.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
For high school games, I watch film to study our opponents. I am able to learn a lot about the teams and their styles of play in order to prepare for our next big game.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I would like to give a shout out to my High School Assistant Coach, Adam Ropson. He has been one of my coaches since my freshman year of High School. Coach Ropson spends a lot of time helping with practice plans in order to help us improve as players. And more importantly, he never fails to make us laugh or to put a smile on our faces. You can tell he truly cares for each and every player on his team.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Along with sports, I love to cook and bake, travel and spend time with friends and family.

Favorite song?
“You’re Gonna Go Far,” by Noah Kahan.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Water during games and practices and then blue gatorade after.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan on attending a 4-year college for Physical Therapy and soccer.