Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Calyx Hoover, New Trier soccer

Calyx Hoover is a senior midfielder for the Trevians. He is back in a key role — scoring a crucial goal in a 2-0 win over Niles North on Sept. 9 — after missing 2024 with a knee injury.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Before games, I eat cheese sticks as my pregame ritual. Mozzarella sticks, like three to four of them. I’ve always liked cheese sticks and it started as a ritual two years ago.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

I was thinking about playing college soccer. We’ll see where it goes. I’m not committed anywhere yet, but if the opportunity comes to me, I would definitely do it.

3. What was the most challenging part of your injury recovery?

I think it’s just remembering how fun it is to play. It’s fun to be on the bench with friends, but I want to be out there and want to be scoring goals. It’s feeling a little more disconnected from playing.

4. What is it like being back out there?

It’s so fun. I love playing with all the guys. They’re really nice and it’s amazing to be back on the field. It feels like all the work I put in to the recovery is really paying off.

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

I think if I were to play another sport, it would be tennis. I’m a big tennis fan. I play casually and think if play another sport competitively it would be tennis.

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

Probably play music. I play guitar and piano. Music is my favorite off-field hobby.

7. What would be your dream job?

My dream job would be maybe like an agent for an athlete. I think that would be pretty cool.

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

Peanut M&M’s. I like them because they are sweet and good but not too sweet. I don’t like super sweet. M&M’s are the perfect balance.

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

I really like to draw. Drawing is super fun. I have drawing competitions with my sister (Lina, sophomore), but I’m definitely a better drawer than she is.

10. What can this team accomplish this season?

I generally think we are going to be the best team and going to win state, of course. We have a lot of good talent and we have what it takes.

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