Nadia Hernandez is a junior at Penn High School who is part of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team. She is also involved in extracurricular activities like Handwritten Hearts and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school she loves hanging out with her friends and family in her free time.
What sports did you play throughout your life, and why?
I have played soccer my whole life and I have run hurdles for track for a few years too, but for now I have been focusing just on soccer.
Why did you want to start playing the sport of soccer?
I grew up around soccer through my family and they all sparked my interest into the sport I play today.
When playing soccer, what’s the most challenging position to play on the field?
Most challenging position is a goalie because it’s way different then other positions on the field because there is way more pressure and thoughts going in the players head.
What challenges have you gone through in your sport?
Responding to diversity in game or practice, like small injuries, losing games, or not doing my best in a game.
What is your daily routine when being a Penn athlete?
I wake up and eat breakfast, go to school, eat lunch, then I go to practice and do my homework right when I get home. Lastly, I play games on the weekends and get ready for the next week.
After a full day of practice, how do you mentally prepare for the next practice?
After a day of practice I think about something I could have done better at and I will try to improve that skill at my next practice by staying positive.
What characteristics do you bring to your team, and how is it helpful?
I bring positivity and encouragement to the team which is both an important characteristic to have in a teammate.
How do your coaches push you and your teammates to work harder every day?
They constantly tell us that we are family and in it together, and to focus how we are representing ourselves and Penn
What do you look for in your teammates to make a good team?
I look for a positive teammate that will call me out for my mistakes, and will be encouraging.
In your off season what are some examples you do to maintain a good image for your sports team?
For my sports team I will keep a respectful image and attitude. I will also make sure I stay in good shape during the off season by joining club soccer teams and going to the gym.
