Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Aidan O’Neill, New Trier soccer

Aidan O’Neill is a senior midfielder for the Trevians. He is committed to Northwestern University.

1.Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

It’s not really a ritual or superstition, but I always tape my wrist before every game. I’ve been doing it for four or five years now. It’s sort of like a mental thing. It feels like when my wrist is taped I’m ready to play.

2. Why Northwestern?

Obviously the academics are incredible at Northwestern. Just the thought of representing the North Shore and community I grew up in and play for a sports team at a college that is five minutes from my house and being able to see family and friends in the stands is really exciting to me.

3. What is your favorite sports moment so far?

Probably my favorite moment is scoring the third goal against Loyola (this season). It was like a 30-yard chip over the keeper. Being able to run to the fans and celebrate with them after that was really special.

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

I love to play golf. I play golf pretty much any time I can. It’s really relaxing. I go with my friends, my dad and my brothers. I try to play golf as much as possible during the season.

5. What is your dream job?

Honestly, being a sports reporter would be pretty cool, working for ESPN, NBC or something like that. Traveling around the country and reporting on sports would be pretty cool.

6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

My family has a house in Portrush in Northern Ireland. We go up there like once a year and I love being up there. It’s really relaxing and calming to get away from everything. So probably there.

7. Who is your favorite athlete?

It would probably be Rory McElroy a golfer from Northern Ireland. My uncle is pretty good friends with him. He’s from 10 or 15 minutes away from where my dad and uncle grew up. Watching him and cheering for him is always pretty cool.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Probably a (light) blue Gatorade and maybe a little thing of M&M’s

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

A lot of people wouldn’t know that I’m a dual citizen. I also have an Irish passport. It’s a lot easier to travel (in Europe) with an Irish passport.

10. As you head toward the playoffs, how is this team feeling?

The team is feeling really good. We always have high spirits going into practices and games, always believing we’re going to win every game — helping each other, trusting each other, picking each other up. Going forward, we want to win conference and from there just play our best soccer when we’re in playoffs and hopefully make it down state.

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