The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Nov. 8 are from Kent-Meridian; Jayla Hopkins (Sr.) soccer, Jayden Bautista (So.) football.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Bautista: Teamwork and discipline.
Hopkins: I value how competitive we work as a team and how we always finish our games strong.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Bautista: Discipline will get you further than anything. Also work ethic to reach a goal and show the importance of putting in work and respect. With respect you can’t go as far when you don’t show respect.
Hopkins: I learned that trying new things and taking on challenges will in the end make you stronger and give you great opportunities.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Bautista: When I am not motivated, I still show up and work hard because it brings back positive whether or not you know it. One thing to help me stay motivated is to do things I love like helping others.
Hopkins: When I am not motivated, I talk with my team and see how they’re doing, because soccer is a team sport. Communicating helps me stay motivated to finish the game.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Bautista: Chicken and rice or just a good old sandwich.
Hopkins: A big 12 oz. Steak with an ice cold Celsius
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Bautista: To keep pushing no matter how hard or exhausting and to not worry because it is going to be okay no matter what happens. Take it easy as well, to finish the season even if it just started.
Hopkins: I would tell them to keep going and not to give up. It’s important to take on things that may be difficult, because it allows us to learn and grow. The team will be there to support you.
From the sidelines:
Hopkins: Jayla is a consummate battler. She attacks and harasses players relentlessly.
Bautista: 3+ GPA, involved in football, wrestling and track. He is willing to help the team in any capacity from suiting up for varsity , play quick guard for JV doing laundry for uniforms, creating and designing team merch, cleaning up after games in the locker room and well as filming games.
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