Connor Andrews

A year ago, Connor Andrews was a spectator on the Lake Region sideline due to injury.

But, he still made his presence felt.

“Connor helped on the bench and cheered his team on,” Laker Coach Michael Chaine. “This season, Connor came back with an obvious goal. He wanted to make up for lost time.”

The LR senior has brought intensity and hustle to the midfield position. Coach Chaine has also seen a marked difference in his confidence level.

“Connor is one of the hardest ball striking players I have, but due to past confidence issuess, he was reluctant to let shots go from outside of the 18. This year, he looks for any and every opportunity to unload a shot from the outside.”

That approach paid off in the Homecoming game against Traip Academy. Connor’s low, hard drive was deflected off a TA defender into the goal.

“Connor has been a contributing factor in keeping his team focused and working hard for the entire game,” Coach Chaine added. “It has been great to have him back.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Connor is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Andrews File

Name: Connor Andrews

Year in School: Senior

Hometown: Naples

Parents: Becky Morton and Michael Andrews

Sports you play: Soccer

School organizations: Varsity Club

Why did you choose to play this sport? CA. I grew up playing it and I really loved my team and coach when I was growing up and I love the sport. Today, I still love my teammates and my coaches.

What is the most difficult part of the game? CA. I think the most difficult part of the game is the mental strain. If you start getting angry you really have to hold it in and play on no matter what.

What do you enjoy the most about the sport? CA. The thing that I enjoy most about soccer is my team. We are basically just one big family and we support each other no matter what, on the field and off.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? CA. I think I need to work on not getting down on myself. If I make a mistake, I need to pick my head up and move on.

Why is teamwork important? CA. Teamwork is very important in soccer because you need to pass the ball and that is the way you will score goals. More importantly, keeping a positive attitude on the field.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? CA. Last year, I was injured and I missed my whole season. After the season was over, my coach checked in with my mom all the time to see how I was doing and it showed that he cared for his players off the field and that meant a lot.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? CA. As a leader and a team player. And being the kid who could be funny and joke around, but when the time is needed to be serious and focused.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? CA. I think I’ll remember my team and how close we were and how we supported each other.