Athlete of the Week: Matt Tilley and Olivia Neunaber

Olivia Neunaber prepares to jump into the pool for a meet with the varsity Knights swim team. Senior Matt Tilley lines up for a face-off with the varsity hockey team.

Credit to Sam Cary, Jordan Milewzcik

Olivia Neunaber prepares to jump into the pool for a meet with the varsity Knights swim team. Senior Matt Tilley lines up for a face-off with the varsity hockey team.

By Stacy Beasley

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.