Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Kennedy Colegrove, New Trier soccer

Kennedy Colegrove was a senior starting defender for the Trevians. She played with the varsity team for three seasons and is off to the University of Missouri.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I don’t have any superstitions, but I always like to set my prewrap a certain way on my neck. I make it into a headband and put it on my neck before I put it up.

2. Why Missouri?

They have the community feeling that I like. It’s not too big, not too small. It’s an SEC school, so not as big as Big Ten school, but a perfect size. And it’s close to family, which I like. I’m only an hour away from grandparents on my dad’s side.

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

Volleyball. I love watching volleyball, and I think you have to be a really good athlete to play that sport. I’m not really good with the hand-eye coordination games, so (volleyball) is a good one to watch and play.

4. What is the most important skill for a defender?

I don’t know if there is one tactical skill but a lot of mindset skills are really important. Being connected to the other three defenders is the most important thing, moving as a unit.

5. You injured your knee this season. What was the most difficult part about the recovery?

I think just not being able to play with the team on the field. Practices and other stuff was fine, but when it got to the game and I wanted to help and be on the field with them. Especially on the playoff run when we were playing harder teams, I just missed being out there.

6. What is your dream job?

Be a vet. I don’t know why. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I grew up a little bit and thought it’s not going to happen, but it would be dream job. Four extra years of school is probably not a path I want to go on.

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

I love hanging out with my friends and my family. I know that’s a simple answer, but I do enjoy backyard barbecues with family, going on trips — we like to go hiking.

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

A lemonade, Sour Patch (Kids) Watermelon and something chocolatey, and the Muddy Buddies, that little puppy chow mix.

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

I guess that I am a really messy eater. We do these videos and things with the team and I was sniped on a lot of videos with me eating and I’ve never seen myself eat like that. But I guess I’m a messy eater.

10. What does New Trier soccer mean to you?

I’d say it’s literally my second family. I can’t really imagine a time when I didn’t think of New Trier soccer over the last four years. Everything I did for the last four years was for the team, my teammates and for the coaches, who I respect and look up to.

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