Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Clara Deliduka, New Trier soccer

Clara Deliduka is a senior center back for the Trevians. Deliduka was an All-State selection last year and has led New Trier to 17 straight shutouts.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I don’t eat a lot before games, and I think my main thing is I get super in the mode. I get like nonverbal, but I like being around my teammates. And I drink a lemonade Vitamin Water before every game.

2. What are your plans for next year?

I am going to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I had originally applied to a mix of small schools and larger schools. I didn’t really know what I wanted. After senior year at a big school like New Trier, I realized I wanted a larger school and more diverse options and opportunities with clubs and majors. And it’s close to come. I never really thought I wanted to be close to home but I think it’s nice, and the culture matched what I wanted it to be like.

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

My favorite thing to do is probably listen to music. I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan, but recently I got super into house (music) with my friends — house and EDM. I love to go to live concerts whenever I can.

4. What is your dream job?

Honestly, my dream job is to not work at all or to travel wherever. But if I have to pick an actual occupation, like neuro surgeon or heart surgeon. I am super into science and that would be super cool, but scary, to be responsible for those around you.

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

I think I would play volleyball and I would want to be a libero, one of the defensive players, diving on the ground all over. I would want to be making big digs and big defensive plays.

6. Do you just enjoy playing defense?

I’ve always been an attacking midfielder until last year when (coach Jim Burnside) converted me to center back. I liked playing defense wherever I was on the field. I think it’s fun. In games, I think in control when on offense. I definitely like having a lot of power that is hidden to manipulate the another team. It’s great when I get to say no one has scored on us. Being able to shut down top players is something I’ve found a lot of joy in the past two years.

7. What is your biggest responsibility to make your team defense effective?

Especially this year — we had two starting outside backs back, but my fellow center back Basie Shannon is new and Annie Fowler is our new goalkeeper — just creating a really cohesive culture between the four or five of us. Being there to support my teammates, being there to back them up.

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

Probably Ghirardelli milk chocolate with caramel.

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

I feel people kinda know this, but I have really weird quirks. I’m into some weird things, like I can name and locate almost all the countries in the world. I just decided I wanted to one day.

10. What has your senior year been like?

I think it’s been awesome. It’s hard to believe that it’s over this weekend, especially because you fight in the playoffs to have extra days with each other. There is something to fight for but not any more days to fight for. It’s been rewarding to become the leader I wanted to be. You always hope you can make an impact. It’s great to hear people say I have made an impact. It’s been great to lead people to the success we’ve had this year.

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