Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kent-Meridian

The Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week for Nov. 28 are from Kent-Meridian High School; Kyle Soper (Sr.) cross country and Perlynah Afoa (Sr.) golf.

What do you value in your sport or about your team?

Soper: In cross country, I value the results that come out of putting in your best effort every day and the opportunity to not only share those rewards with your team, but to get to witness your peers grow alongside you too.

Afoa: I value teamwork and perseverance a lot in my sport.

What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?

Soper: It isn’t always clear that the things you do each day are having any effect, but after each run and after weeks of runs, it becomes clear that temporary discomfort leads to lasting growth.

Afoa: I learned commitment a lot in my sport and I’ll definitely carry that throughout my life and future.

What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?

Soper: When I’m not motivated, I break things down to the little parts that give me relatively easy goals to achieve (slow pace, just finish this lap, etc.). Once I’ve gotten the small sense of accomplishment, I feel ready to take on more until I’m at a decent level of work. Getting started is always the most difficult thing for me.

Afoa: I would always picture myself doing well and succeeding when I am not motivated. What helps me stay motivated is setting goals that I’ll look forward to completing.

Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?

Soper: My favorite pre-race meal is pistachios WITH the shells. Shelling them is absolutely necessary and makes the difference in my performance.

Afoa: I don’t have a favorite but I do always eat chocolate granola bare before any games start.

What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?

Soper: To a teammate that is struggling, I would say you need only to focus on yourself. It can be dispiriting to see others performing at such high levels, but that’s because they’re at a different place in their athletic journey. Finding the training that challenges you while still being attainable is what will give you a feeling of fulfillment and move you forward in your own athletic capabilities.

Afoa: One success can equal to 10 successes, so don’t doubt yourself.

From the sidelines-

Soper: Kyle shows up to practice every day ready to work and continues to push himself to improve. Throughout the season, he has grown in many ways. He consistently improved his times during meets, listens to his body, and shows an overall great commitment to his sport.

Over his senior season, he has emerged as a leader, supporting his teammates and encouraging then to be their best. He shows his support in many ways including leading by example, cheering on teammates and recognizing individual growth throughout the season. He has grown tremendously as both an athlete and a leader, and we are very proud of the dedication and character he has shown.

Afoa: Pearlynah had a great season of golf. Having never played the game before, her hard work and dedication showed and in the final week she played 36 holes at Gold Mountain. Doing so, she qualified for districts.