Player of the Week: Leia Hodgdon

Leia Hodgdon

Leia Hodgdon

Leia Hodgdon is “truly a team player,” says her varsity cheering coach Kaitlyn Hall. “She is always willing to put the needs of the team above her own.”

Leia had to overcome more than one difficult event this season and while some athletes would let that affect their performance, Leia pushed through and thrived, Coach Hall said.

“I am so proud to call her one of my cheerleaders and am excited to share another state cheerleading competition with her and the rest of our team this coming weekend,” said Coach Hall, whose Lake Region cheering squad placed third at last week’s Class B Regionals, earning the team a ticket to the state championships this Saturday in Bangor.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Leia 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 Hodgdon File

Name: Leia Hodgdon

Year in School: Sophomore

Hometown: Naples

Parents: Judy and Keith Hodgdon

Sports you play: Cheerleading

School honors: Honor roll

Why did you choose to play this sport? I chose cheering because my family has done it and once I joined, it was the best decision ever. I love my team and my coach. I have a lot of fun.

What is the most difficult part? The most difficult part is learning a routine for a cheer. It can be stressful at times, but my team always makes it fun for me.

What do you enjoy the most about cheering? I enjoy being on this team because I am so close to my coach and teammates. They just make it very enjoyable.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? I need to work on being more serious at some practices because we always have competitions right around the corner.

Why is teamwork important? We all work together to achieve one goal — to be successful. We all need to work together and be devoted to the sport, and all need to be kind to each other.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? I feel my coach has made me into a better and stronger person, not just in sports. She is always there for me and my team in every way possible to make us successful.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? I think I am a very good, strong and devoted athlete. I love the sport I play and who I play it with.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? I will most definitely remember cheering the most because of my amazing experiences and the amount of fun I have had with my coach and teammates.