NCSA caught up with promising recruit Drew Perry about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What's your pre-game ritual(s)?
Perry: Before a big game I try to keep myself calm so I don't get nervous, but I keep what's at stake in the back of my mind so I stay on top of my game, and don't make any mistakes. I usually listen to a song about an underdog, because I'm usually on the underdog team. Before my states games this year, I listened to Big Money by Rush.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Perry: In college, I look forward to playing on a bigger stage. Not just against teams in my county. Not just in front of parents of the team. I love playing in front of big crowds.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sports you played in? (Is it a family tradition, do you admire an athlete in the sport)?
Perry: I just love sports. When I was younger I played every sport I could. As I grew up I stuck with soccer and hockey because they were my favorites (and I was good at them).
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far? (Club teams, high school teams)? Any challenges this season? How are you excelling personally, how does that compare to previous years?
Perry: My high school team made states for the first time in five years. We had a major upset in the first round by winning 1-0. This was a huge accomplishment for our school, which had not done this for a long time. We lost our second round game 2-1, but we were in it the whole time, and that showed how much better our team was, compared to the other high school teams I was a part of.
NCSA: What are your goals - athletically, academically and in your community - for the rest of the school year? What are also your goals for the summer? Are you looking to improve your speed, skills, acing a course?
Perry: I'm looking to get in better shape. Hopefully drop a few pounds to become quicker, and more agile. And I am trying to pick up my grades so I can look at more schools that would accept me.
