Winnetka, Sports

Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Matthew Perchik, New Trier soccer


Matthew Perchik is a junior striker for the Trevians. He lead the team in both goals (10) and assists (6; co-leader) this season.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

A little superstition I kind of picked up on is I put everything left on first — whether it’s my socks, shin guards, shin straps, ankle braces or cleats. If it’s an away game, I like to listen to music before on the bus. If a home game, just hang out with teammates in the shed; it helps ease the nerves.

2. What do you hope to do after high school?

I still haven’t figured out if I want to play college soccer, but definitely go to college. I want to study something business related. That career path looks interesting to me.

3. What is your top sports moment so far?

Probably my first varsity goal, which happened against Loyola in the third or fourth game of season. We had a big crowd, it was a rivalry game and I was able to put a goal in (the net) like a minute into the game. 

4. What is your dream job?

Honestly, I would love to be a CEO. I know that is kind of a cop-out answer. I enjoy being in leadership roles.

5. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

Definitely hang out with my friends. My friends are really important to me and it’s really a good way to get away from stresses — school, sports — and just hang out and relax with friends.

6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

Definitely golf. I like watching golf with my dad. I play it. I am not very good, but it would be very cool to be a good golfer. I don’t think enough people respect (golf) as much as it should be respected.

7. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’m gonna get, for my drink, an Arnold Palmer; then some Chex Mix — any kind, I’m not really partial; and then some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. 

8. You just won the lottery. What is your first purchase?

Probably like a house. I would definitely want to get some form of real estate. My parents taught me real estate is the best investment. A vacation house somewhere, like florida or Hilton Head, would be cool.

9. What is something people do not know about you?

Probably that I am color blind. That’s my go-to answer for a fun fact. I’m lucky enough not to be severely color blind. Sometimes I struggle with differentiating red and green. 

10. Is this team in a good spot heading into the postseason?

I think we’re in a great spot. We started the season with a frustrating tie and went on to win a bunch of games from there. The defining moment of our season was the Evanston loss. We realized some flaws from that and went on a winning streak after. So the team is in a great spot and playing with so much confidence right now. Everyone on the field is trusting their teammates and really gelling with the squad. I can’t wait to play with my teammates in the postseason.


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joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

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