Hannah Anderson excels as three-sport varsity athlete
Alex Ehde Twitter Reporter
November 5, 2016
Senior Hannah Anderson is talented. She is a three-sport varsity athlete playing soccer, hockey and track. Managing three sports and academics should be hard, but Hannah makes it look easy. She takes her own hard work and dedication and not only puts it into her sports, but also her teammates and the people around her.
Anderson has been playing hockey and soccer since she was five years old and started track in seventh grade. All of these sports are different from each other and require different skill sets, but have some of the same concept and skill.
Being a three-sport athlete, Hannah has required skills other people wish they had, but she always stays humble in everything she does and other people notice.
“She is learning to compete at the highest levels in all three sports and has done tremendous in all three as well. In my opinion, Hannah’s aspect is her desire to succeed and be her best at whatever she is involved in at the time. This will take her a long way in whatever she chooses to do in college,” coach Lee Gillespie said.
Although hockey, soccer and track are very different sports, they require same skill sets. During each sport it might be hard to keep all the skills required, but the different skills can bring an advantage.
“I don’t necessarily think I lose skills from the other sports during the season of another sport. In fact, I actually think they all benefit one another. Injuries typically occur from overuse of the same muscles which is why stress fractures are so common in runners. By playing multiple sports, I am using different muscles and strengthening those muscles without stressing certain muscles if I just focused on one sport,” Anderson said.
Anderson works hard in everything she does and everyone around her notices. She pumps up the team and always has a positive attitude.
“Having a great work ethic and desire to succeed benefits her in all her sports. She has a great future in hockey, but I think whatever she chooses to do she will have great success in,” Gillespie said.
Anderson is looking forward to college and being part of a team. She is looking at the bigger schools because they appeal to her.
“I hope to pursue track in college as I think I have the most opportunities for that sport since I’ve been all-state since 8th grade. My top choices for college are the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Minnesota. I like bigger schools, especially those of the Big 10 conference because of the competitive athletics and they are not too far from home,” Anderson said.
Playing three sports and trying to manage school work is helping her get ready for the college life. It is hard, but a good experience on learning to manage time wisely.
“It is difficult to balance academics and sports at times, but it is manageable. Prioritizing homework and time management are important. It requires late nights finishing homework and early mornings for NHS or Key Club meetings. I have to admit I have also stayed in on a random Friday or Saturday night to just allow me to get caught up on homework,” Hannah said.
“Being a three-sport varsity athlete is definitely a time-committment and requires dedication. Although, because I love playing soccer, hockey, and running track, it is all worth it in the end. Also, the relationships I build with my teammates on each team is truly rewarding and is part of the reason why high school sports are so special,” Anderson added.