Athletes of the Issue: Piper Thompson '20 and Casey Spivack '20

By Lila Podgainy '19

Piper Thompson '20: rightCasey Spivack '20: leftPhoto Credit: Thomas Field '20

Piper Thompson '20

1. What skills have you learned from soccer that you may have not learned otherwise? What have you learned from being the captain this past year?

Soccer has taught me quite a few skills, but most importantly it taught me the importance of being part of a team and being able to work with other people no matter the conditions. Whether it is pouring, 100 degrees, or snowing, you always have to be there for your teammates and support them. Being captain of the team this past year taught me how difficult it is to try to lead a group of people it toward one goal, which is to win, in a way that helps everyone get there.

2. How have you learned to balance school and soccer? Any advice for NEST+m’s Student Athletes?

Balancing school and soccer is one of the hardest things I have had to learn especially since my school work has gotten increasingly demanding. The method that works best for me is to make a schedule of all of my assignments for school, and compare that to the days I have soccer practice or a game. Then by comparing the two, I create a little work schedule for each day to make sure that all of my assignments get done and I do not get too stressed about the work.

3. When did you begin to play soccer? What is your favorite childhood soccer memory?

I started to play soccer when I was about three years old. My favorite childhood soccer memory is eating sliced oranges and granola bars during halftime in the little leagues. At halftime of every game that I had when I first started playing, one parent was always responsible for bringing a snack to have during halftime for everyone to have. Sadly, we do not get any snacks now but I will never forget it.

4. Describe your greatest soccer “achievement” (from this season or in general) and how it felt.

My greatest soccer achievement happened earlier last year when I started the recruitment process, and finally got some emails back from some of the colleges. It all started to come to a reality that I could actually play soccer in college, which I had never really thought about until the end of freshman year.

5. Who did you root for during the World Cup?

At first I rooted for Mexico because they were clearly very strong at the beginning, but they did not go as far as I wanted.

6. Favorite post-soccer snack: Chocolate Milk

Casey Spivack '20

1. When did you begin to play soccer? What is your favorite childhood soccer memory?

I began playing soccer when I was 3. I started in pre-school in an after school program with super soccer stars. My favorite childhood soccer memory would have to be playing with the boys in a little league when I was younger because I always felt special since I was the only girl.

2. Describe your greatest soccer “achievement” (from this season or in general) and how it felt.

In general I think my greatest soccer achievement was from my clubs team season last year. My team and I managed to win our division. Specifically, I managed to average out a goal per game which is huge for me. In last seasons I didn’t score as much, but last year was really big for me! I think a main reason why I scored so much is because everyone is thrown off that I am left footed, which is rare for a soccer player. It felt so amazing every time; scoring a goal for your team is the best feeling, truly indescribable.

3. How have you learned to balance school and soccer? Any advice for our student athletes?

I have been balancing school and soccer ever since I could remember. Since I have been doing it for so long it has just become routine. I’ve learned to balance it by trying to do a majority of my homework on days that I don’t have soccer. Additionally, getting work done, or even starting work, before the actually deadline is really important. Since the junior year workload is quite large, doing work at lunch is helpful so it is less stressful after school. I helpful tip is to keep a planner with all the work for the week - including tests, quizzes, essays, etc - so you know what homework you need to do each day.

4. Who did you root for during the World Cup?

Since the US was not in the World Cup this year I rooted for England because my cousins live there!

5. Who is your favorite soccer player? Why?

I would have to say that my favorite player is Mallory Pugh who is on the U.S. Women’s National team and Washington Spirit. She is a really fun player to watch because she always fights for the ball not matter what, which is the way a play too. I also watch her a lot because she plays in the midfield usually on the wings, which is where I play, so I can learn from her.

6. Favorite post-soccer snack: Mac-n-Cheese