Cavaliers learn from professional athletes

By Maddie Logue
January 22, 2018

After winning the CSAC championship, Cabrini athletes have learned a thing or two from professional athletes. They have learned the importance of working hard, practicing until perfect and balancing academics with sports.

Each athlete has been influenced by big-time star players such as Carson Wentz, Mia Hamm, Kobe Bryant and Serena Williams.

Senior David Clay Anders with the perfect golf swing. Photo from Cabrini Athletics.

“I hold myself to high standards, which may be something I learned from pro athletes,” David Clay Anders, a senior marketing major, said. “I’m always trying to improve and rarely am pleased. ”

Anders admires the work ethic and killer instincts of Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods.

“I like these athletes because they are the best at what they do and have mastered their craft,” Anders said. “The determination both of them have and when they are at the top of their game they can’t lose and it’s awesome to watch.”

Matt Ochman is a star soccer player and was named All-CSAC Second Team this year.

“I try and work hard on and off the field and lead my team to the best of my ability to succeed,” Ochman, a junior finance and marketing major, said.

Junior Matt Othman lining up for a goal kick. Photo by Michelle Guerin.

Ochman sees Chase Utley and Carson Wentz as personal role models for their leadership skills and natural talent. He enjoyed watching Chase Utley on the Phillies, when the team was on the road to the 2008 World Series.

Matt Ochman looks up to Carson Wentz for leadership skills.

Matt Othman punting the ball down the field. Photo by Michelle Guerin.

“Carson Wentz has had an amazing season these past two seasons,” Ochman said. “I have always been a big Eagles fan, and him leading this team has only made me like them more. ”

“They have made a positive impact on their team. Both continually give back to their communities, which is why I admire them,” Ochman said. “It is awesome as a college athlete to see that that is where someone could go in the long run with hard work and talent.”

Maggie Javitt is serving up victory as she was named to All-CSAC Second Team with doubles partner Elena Conway. She tries to emulate tennis athletes Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Senior Maggie Javitt warming up for her match. Photo submitted by Maggie Javitt.

“Serena is so commanding and powerful on the court so I try to channel her confidence and control, especially in matches where I could be considered the underdog,” Maggie Javitt, a senior criminology and sociology major, said. “Djokovic chases down every shot and is such a strong competitor that I try to emulate his drive to win especially when the match is close.”

Javitt setting up for serve. Photo submitted by Maggie Javitt.

“Federer always carries himself with such professionalism and poise. I try to model my behavior and composure on the court after him and replicate his sportsmanship,” Javitt said. “These three athletes have all impacted my game because they inspire me to play hard and go for the win even when I’m not expected to, which has helped my drive and confidence on the court.”

Theresa Mignogna has been playing soccer ever since she could walk.

Theresa Mignogna with Dr. Donald Taylor, received an academic achievement award for highest GPA.  Photo submitted by Theresa Mignogna.

“Soccer is something that I have played since I was three and as you get older, you start to realize that soccer talent is a gift and if it isn’t unwrapped, it’s not useful,” Mignogna, a junior middle school education major said.

Mignogna is not only a star player; she also excels in her academics. Mignogna, in recent years, has received an academic achievement award for her high grade point average.

Mignogna has a motto from her role model Carly Lloyd. Before stepping foot on the field she recites this quote from Lloyd: “Don’t let anyone work harder than you.”

“I take this quote with me in everything I do,” Mignogna said. “I use it in school to be the best academic version of myself and I use it for soccer and other aspects of my life.”

She admits to not being best player on the team.

“There are girls that can run circles around me and girls that can pass the ball better and girls that are all around more athletic,” Mignogna said. “With this quote in my head, I know that I am working the hardest that I can to be the best version of myself I can be for my team. “

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maddie Logue

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Perspectives

Special Project

Title IX Redefined Website

Produced by Cabrini Communication
Class of 2024

Listen Up

Season 2, Episode 3: Celebrating Cabrini and Digging into its Past

watch

Scroll to Top
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap