Even though the 2015-2016 is almost in the books, our monthly Athlete Spotlight will continue through the summer.
The Spotlight Athlete for May shines on a young lady with a talent for creating space, being in position, and scoring goals. She is someone who will develop for years to come. We are excited to introduce you to 11-year-old Kennedy Ball from our u11 Premier team. She trains with CFCA's Jeff Badger.
CFCA: When did you start playing soccer?
Kennedy: “When I was about 4.”
CFCA: How is your team doing this year?
Kennedy: “Well, this season we’ve won every tournament we’ve played in.”
CFCA: You play forward for your team this year. Have you always played forward?
Kennedy: “When I was 8 I played defense, then midfield and now forward.”
CFCA: Which position to you like the most?
Kennedy: “I like forward.”
CFCA: Do you score a lot of goals?
Kennedy: (laughing) “Yeah!”
CFCA: What do you like most about Coach Badger?
Kennedy: “I like that he’s not too serious (laughing). He’s kinda of fun to play around with. He calls me ‘Grandma’ sometimes because I am so slow. But at least I’m a lot faster when I’m on the field (playing in a match).”
CFCA: Do your teammates call you Grandma? Do they have a nickname for you?
Kennedy: “They call me ‘Sunshine’. Because I’m always late to everything and I’m always like… happy!”
CFCA: Why are you always happy?
Kennedy: “Because I am really good at soccer and I like it. It makes me happy!”
CFCA: What do you like about how Coach Badger trains you?
Kennedy: (pauses to think) “Well when we win tournaments or do really good he kinda let’s us have a fun practice and doesn’t make us work really hard that day.”
CFCA: Do you have a favorite soccer moment?
Kennedy: “It was actually this last tournament (Scenic City Cup) in the first game when I had my first header goal.”
CFCA: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Kennedy: “Um, I kinda want to be a personal athletic trainer or something like that.”
CFCA: Are you going to play soccer in college?
Kennedy: (laughing) “Hopefully!”
CFCA: Who is your favorite professional player?
Kennedy: “Oh, Tobin Heath (USWNT, midfielder). And probably Neymar (FC Barcelona) or Messi (FC Barcelona).”
CFCA: Who is your favorite team?
Kennedy: “USA, the women’s national team. Yeah, they’re really good.”
CFCA: Who is someone you look up to?
Kennedy: “I guess Tobin Heath because I like to watch videos about her and learn about her endurance and all this other stuff.”
CFCA: How do you prepare for a game?
Kennedy: “I usually drink a smoothie. It’s like my only craving I like to eat before games.”
CFCA: When someone says, “You kick like a girl!” What does that mean to you?
Kennedy: “To me it’s a compliment.”
CFCA: Because girls are strong. Right?
Kennedy: “Yeah! They are usually just messing around with me. It tells me that they want to get under my skin and mess with me because I might be better than them.”
CFCA: What advice would you give a younger player? Say a U8, 9 or 10 year old?
Kennedy: “Hmmm. I would tell them to keep trying and never really give up. Even if you miss a goal or something like that happens, just keep on trying. Mistakes happen. Don’t look in the past.”
CFCA: Was this your first soccer interview?
Kennedy: “(laughing) Yeah!”
CFCA: How was it?
Kennedy: “It’s kinda weird! Talking about myself.”
Tag(s): Home