The News-Press Athlete of the Week for Dec. 9-14 Canterbury girls soccer player Alyssa LoGuercio – News-Press

The News-Press selects athletes that stood out the week before based on a combination of coach reports and school nominations sent to sports@news-press.com and our coverage. Those athletes are put in a poll each Monday on news-press.com and you, our readers, vote on who you think did it best. The winners of The News-Press Athlete of the Week poll sponsored by Elevate Home Services receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by the USA Today High School Sports Awards. To get to know our winners better, The News-Press will have a question-and-answer session with each athlete.
The News-Press Athlete of the Week sponsored by Elevate Home Services winner for Dec. 9-14 was Canterbury girls soccer player Alyssa LoGuercio. The senior captured 53% of the votes. LoGuercio scored a hat trick in an 8-0 win against Village School to earn her nomination.
Question: The Cougars have started the season 11-1-1. What is the reason behind the success?
LoGuercio: I think we’ve come together more as a family. We’ve definitely gotten to known each other, and all of our extra trainings that we do definitely impacted us greatly. And the work that Coach Alex (Samson) and Coach Paolo (Acosta) take off the field, like going to other people’s games and stuff, has really improved us as a team.
What do you like about soccer?
LoGuercio: I’m just a really competitive person, so I like that you have 90 minutes to turn something around. It’s not predictable. Even the best teams can lose, so that’s what makes it fun.
Are there any soccer players that you look up to?
LoGuercio: I like Rose Lavelle because she’s very technical on the ball and fast, and I like the position she plays.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
LoGuercio: I like to drink an Alani before every game. I’m all drained and stuff after school, and I have a really low caffeine tolerance so it really makes me ready for the game.
As a senior, what advice would you give to a young soccer player coming up?
LoGuercio: I would say really be in the moment and don’t let things go by. Be appreciative for every time you get to step on the field because you don’t know when it’s going to be your last.

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