Anna Kegel

NAEYE: What sport do you play?

AK: Water Polo

NAEYE: What grade are you in?

AK: 10th grade

NAEYE: When did you start playing?

AK: I started around second grade.

NAEYE: Why do you continue playing this sport?

AK: It was a natural fit for me and I have built such strong friendships with the other girls on the team. 

NAEYE: Do you play any other sports? If so, which ones?

AK: I used to swim when I was younger but no.

NAEYE: What is your training/ conditioning like?

AK: Our preseason is 5 hours a day and goes for about two weeks in the summer. When school starts we have practice almost every day before or after school. We also do a lot of work on land lifting and Stretching.

NAEYE: Do you feel successful in your sport?

AK: I feel successful to a certain extent. Last year I was able to see how far I have come in the sport. I won Rookie of the Year in Pennsylvania and i was named to conference and all state teams. I worked very hard for my PA state awards but efforts followed me into my off season with the Olympic Development Program and my selection to try out for the National Team. Regardless of those things there are so many things I need to improve upon. 

NAEYE: What is your offseason like? How do you keep in shape during it?

AK: Off season is still a really exciting part of the year. I continue training with the club team. I get to attend tournaments in California for the Olympic Development Program and National Team selection camps. Off season can be just as intense as season but more for individuals than the team. 

NAEYE: What is the hardest part of your season and what challenges you most in your sport?

AK: The hardest part of season is probably the time commitment and the amount of energy it takes to give everything to your teammates. 

NAEYE: How do you prepare for your games/meets?

AK: I prepare with the other girls and we blast music and take our minds off our nerves.

NAEYE: Do you feel pressured to succeed in your sport?

AK: Yes. My coaches have high expectations that I feel obligated to meet but there’s a certain pressure play my best for my teammates. 

NAEYE: What about your sport brings you the most joy?

AK: Beating our biggest rivals and doing it as a team. It brings me an overwhelming amount of joy. 

NAEYE: What is your favorite pregame meal?

AK: Pasta and bread.