Recently, the Gatorade Players of the Year were announced and junior Hope Breslin was among the talented athletes included in the annual roundup.  Breslin helped lead the MHS varsity soccer team to their “three-peat” state championship this year after a decade of hard work and consistent practice. The Chief recently sat her down for a Q&A, in which she sheds light on the role that soccer has played in her life.

How old were you when you started playing soccer?

Hope: 5 years old.

How did you first begin playing soccer?

Hope: My mom gave me a choice between soccer and cheerleading, and I wanted to be the one on the field playing, so I chose soccer.

Which position do you play?

Hope: Forward and center midfield.

What is your favorite memory from playing soccer?

Hope: Winning 3 state championships in a row on the MHS team.

What is your favorite thing about being on the field?

Hope: The competition.

What do you like the most about your teammates?

Hope: All are so supportive in everything, but each brings something so different to the team.

What do you like the most about your coaches?

Hope: They have high expectations for the team, and work us hard to get better everyday.

How do you effectively balance soccer and schoolwork?

Hope: I’ve been doing it for so long, so it’s all I know, and I’ve learned to manage my time because they’re both so important to me.

Do you have any advice for student-athletes?

Hope: Whether in the classroom or on the field, success will only come with hard work.

Do you play on any travel teams or other organizations?

Hope: Yes, I’m on an ECNL travel team for the East Meadow Soccer Club and I’ve been on the U.S. National Futsal Team.

What has playing in Massapequa taught you?

Hope: It has taught me a lot about teamwork, sacrifice, and about all the good qualities that a team needs to succeed.

Who is your role model?

Hope: Ever since I was little, my role model has been Julie Foudy. She was on the ‘99 National Team, was the captain, played my position, and has had a lot of success throughout her career.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Hope: Always do what you love

What was your first thought when you found out you had won Gatorade Player of the Year?

Hope: I was super excited and really proud because I know that there are many great players out there to choose from.

What do you look forward to for next year?

Hope: Trying to go all the way like the previous 3 years and win a state championship

What do you look forward to in the future?

Hope: Playing soccer in college in the Big Ten conference at the University of Illinois, and for the all new experiences I will have there.