Return of Athlete of the Month

As we go into 2021, we’re bringing back one of our columns from last year-- the Athlete of the Month (previously Athlete of the Week). And, while winter sports haven’t yet gotten into full swing, we still have accomplished Needham High student-athletes to recognize. 

This mini-month, we’re doing not one, but two Athletes of the Month. We’re recognizing Megan Allen and Karen Nie, who both recently won the Positive Coaching Alliance Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship. The Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship is awarded to student-athletes who focus on making themselves, their team, and their community better. 

Allen and Nie are senior volleyball captains who competed on last year’s states-winning team. They will be heading into their Fall II season ready to continue to compete, continue to lead, inspire their teammates, and push themselves on the court. 

Of their upcoming season, Allen says that the team is “Making good use of the extra time to prepare, and more than ready and excited to compete.” She assures us that the school can look forward to a big season from Needham Girls’ Volleyball, with eight returning varsity athletes from last year.

As is tradition for our Athletes of the Month, we asked our recipients a variety of questions so that the school can get to know them better!

1. What is your pet peeve? 

Meg: Wet socks

Karen: Food mixing on my plate when it’s not supposed to

2. What is the worst food you’ve ever eaten?

Meg: Warm expired yogurt

Karen: Strawberries (oops)

3. What is your favorite type of pizza?

Meg: Spinach and feta with Alfredo sauce

Karen: Cheese or pepperoni

4. What is your spirit animal? 

Meg: A duck: they can swim, walk, and fly!

Karen: A quokka, because they are happy

5. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Meg: Kale

Karen: Ramen

6. What do you love about your team?

Meg: Karen :)

Karen: I love the community of teammates and fans :) Oh, and of course Meg!

7. How has playing volleyball helped you?

Meg: Helped me to develop mental toughness and discipline

Karen: Volleyball had taught me to put my best effort into everything because everything counts.

If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else, please dm athletic accomplishments to The Hilltopper instagram @hilltoppernhs