Faith Duquette

Faith Duquette started the cheerleading season as an alternate, someone who would step in for a member of the team if they were injured or ineligible for a competition.

The week of the Regional competition, the Lakers lost one girl due to ineligibility and Faith stepped in.

“Faith had to learn the routine in three days, which the rest of the team had been working on for weeks,” Lake Region varsity cheerleading coach Samantha Scarf said. “She picked up the routine quickly and even stepped in for stunts that she had never done prior to that week. Without her stepping up and learning the routine as quickly as she did, we would not have made it to States this year. Faith surprised us all. I could not be prouder of how she has grown this season.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Faith 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 Duquette File

Name: Faith Duquette

Year in School: Sophomore

Town: Naples

Parents: Dean and Sharon Duquette

Sports you play: Fall and winter cheerleading

School organizations: Dance

School honors: Player of the Week

Q. Best piece of advice you have received?

FD. “You can’t just give up,” — my big sister, Cathy

Q. Who is your biggest fan?

FD. My best friends because they are so supportive and try to make every game/competition.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when…

FD. I know I have had a good sports day when I’m sore. I’ve refilled my water bottle at least three times and practice ends with a difficult stunt hitting!

Q. What is your favorite sport?

FD. Cheerleading because I love the adrenaline rush I get when I step on the mat and I love how much trust is in the team itself.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change…

FD. I would want better tumbling skills because tumbling is an important part of cheerleading and I want to excel in all parts of cheer.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate?

FD. Someone who sticks out to me as a good teammate is Mikayla Fortin. She shows a positive attitude at practice — not some of the time but all of the time. She has always supported me and is an all-around awesome teammate/person.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team?

FD. I feel that I bring (no pun intended) dependability and a positive attitude to my team.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach?

FD. I think a coach should be someone who has good knowledge of the sport, leadership skills, is consistent and has effective communication skills.