Athlete of the Week: Matt Tilley and Olivia Neunaber
Published: February 11, 2018
Q: Are you happy with your skill level?
A: I’m pretty happy with it, I mean obviously I can improve because there’s always room for improvement.
Q: How could you improve?
A: There’s definitely some things like my flip turns. Sometimes in races I get behind on flip turns so definitely should improve on that.
Q: Are you happy with how your teams doing?
A: Pretty good this season, I was very proud of everyone we definitely pushed through some races.
Q: How does it feel when your swimming?
A: It’s definitely a great feeling when you’re out there and pushing through a race and you see someone next to you and you push past them.
Q: Is there any advice your coach gives you that you really like?
A: Always give it your best, GACs were our last meet and he was just like try your best and that’s enough
Q: How would your teammates describe you?
A: They would probably say that I talk a lot, if there’s music on, ill always be singing along to it.
Q: What’s the hardest part about being a student-athlete
A: Definitely managing time.sometimes there are two practices a day. So I always do my homework as soon as I get home from school. I for sure have to learn to manage time well.
Q: Why did you start playing hockey
A: My uncle played hockey when he was younger, I had just got done playing soccer and my mom started signing me up for skating lessons.
Q: Are you happy with your current skill level in hockey
A: Yeah I’m pretty good but I feel like I could be better I mean there are definitely some things to work on
Q: Are there any ways you want to improve?
A: Probably skating. I’m already a fast skater but I’d also like to be more physical and have more puck control.
Q: How does it feel when you’re out there on the ice?
A: There’s no way to describe it. The wind in your hair when your skating and fighting for the puck it’s a great feeling. All the emotions and everything it’s a passionate game.
Q: How would your teammates describe you
A: They’d probably say I’m angry a lot because I love winning and really care about it. I know they’d say I work hard.
Q: What’s your biggest inspiration
A: My parents, they paved the way for everything and supported me the whole way. They really inspire me to work hard.
Q: What’s the hardest part of being a student-athlete
A: Probably having all this stuff to do and then waking up and starting it all over again, You get homework and practice and games. It’s not too bad to manage.