By Gillian Rees – News Editor

Freshman year of high school has always been a huge and unfamiliar transition, but this year it’s even crazier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining sports teams is a great way for incoming students to be a part of the school community right away and to make friends that will be there to help them in their first year of high school and throughout their high school careers. Anika Gurjar is the only full varsity and starting freshmen on the girls soccer team. Gurjar plays center defense, she puts in her all, and is a great asset to the defensive line. Advocate News Editor Gillian Rees interviewed Gurjar about the start of her freshman year and soccer season.

GR: So far, how has your experience in high school been?

AG: So far my experience in high school has been really good. It has definitely been a bit different than I expected because of the virus, but all of the students and staff are so welcoming which made it easier to adjust.

GR: Do you think being on a sports team has made this transition into high school easier and less stressful?

AG: I definitely think that being on the soccer team has made the transition into high school easier. I was able to meet a lot of new people, and since we had conditioning over the summer I was able to get a feel of the school before school started.

GR: How do you feel being the only full varsity freshmen, what was your initial reaction when you found out you were full varsity?

AG: I am so thrilled to be playing varsity this year. When I found out I was happy and excited for the upcoming season.

GR: What is your overall personal goal for the season?

AG: My personal goal for this season is to work on my first touch and headers. 

GR: What is your favorite thing about being on the soccer team?

AG: My favorite thing about being on the soccer team is getting to play with more experienced players.