Senior leader Kiran Nayee is currently leading the Kingsmen Boys Soccer team in its effort to win Penn a state title. The Kingsmen are just three weeks away from starting the 2024 state tournament run.
What do you think Penn’s biggest advantage is over other teams this year?
I think that Penn’s biggest advantage over other teams is our team chemistry and the relationship we have with our teammates. Most of us have known each other for years and are willing to work hard for each other and have each other’s back.
How do you prepare for big games?
I make sure that I get good sleep the night before a big game. I also eat healthy and drink lots of water. Before the game, I will listen to music to help me get locked in for the game.
Describe your relationship with your teammates.
I would describe my relationship with my teammates as family-like. We are there for one another. If someone makes a mistake we support them and if they do something good we celebrate with them.
How do you spend your time when you’re not playing or practicing?
In my free time, I like to golf, fish, and watch sports. I spend a lot of time outdoors.
What are your biggest accomplishments here at Penn?
I would say that one of my accomplishments at Penn outside of school would be winning sectionals with soccer. Inside of school, I would say that my biggest accomplishment is my grades.
How do you stay involved at Penn outside of sports?
I am in many clubs including NHS, Key Club, DECA, and FCA. I also do freshmen mentoring.
What do you do to stay academically motivated during the school year?
I stay academically motivated by keeping a consistent schedule. This helps prevent me from procrastinating and ensures I get my work done.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
During the soccer season, I have to have good time management in order to stay up with schoolwork. I make sure to get homework done during any free time before or after practice and games.
Describe your relationship with coaches in comparison to teachers.
I would say that I have a much closer relationship with my coaches than I do with my teachers. Coaches are the ones who see who I really am outside of the school environment. I can more openly express my emotions with coaches than with teachers. This helps us understand each other better.
If you didn’t play soccer, what would you play and why?
If I didn’t play soccer I would most likely do track. I ran track in middle school and was pretty good at it. I feel like I could succeed in track and have a fun time doing it.
