Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Tae Won Lillig, North Shore Country Day soccer

Tao Won Lillig was a senior defender for the Raiders, who wrapped up a record-breaking 21-2-2 season in the sectional round. He is verbally committed to Gettysburg College

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I wouldn’t say I have any rituals but I always like to take time, even in a group setting, to gather my own thoughts, listen to my own music, that type of thing.

2. Why Gettysburg College?

I was looking at schools out east in general; that’s the region I wanted to go to. Initially they weren’t on my top list but I talked with the coaches and they really liked how I played and I really liked them as people. I visited and met a lot of the guys there and thought they were people I’d enjoy being around. In the end, I thought it was a mix of a good academic school where I could still be playing soccer at a high level.

3. What do you want to study?

I haven’t decided yet, but I think it would be something in economics or having to do with numbers, like finance. I’ve always been geared toward the math side of things and numbers. Statistics and those type of things have always come a little bit naturally to me. It’s something I enjoy to do.

4. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

It would be probably be basketball. Even though soccer is my main sport, I still play basketball at North Shore Country Day and still like to play with my friends.

5. Who is your favorite athlete?

Maybe Lionel Messi (Argentina, forward) because he is left-footed and I am left-footed. It’s nice to see someone who is so successful at a high level that you can see yourself in. I think the way he plays soccer is so beautiful and fun to watch.

6. What is your favorite sports moment so far?

I’d probably say freshman year when our school team went to state and it was the first time we ever won a sectional title and supersectional title and went to state. Looking back, I didn’t realize how big of a moment that was for the team and the school. I really learned to cherish that moment. I am forever grateful to have that experience.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I would probably say just spending time with my friends and family, and finding fun things to do with my friends even if it’s just sitting on the couch playing video games together. I just like to spend time with other people.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’d probably buy like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and a chocolate milk or something like that.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I mentioned earlier that I am left-footed, but I am actually right-handed. That’s kind of unique. A lot of people who see me play soccer don’t know I am right-handed and a lot of people who see me in school don’t know i kick dominantly with my left foot.

10. How are you going to remember your senior season?

I’m going to remember that just on a daily basis our team really fought hard and always found a way to win and especially after we lost Walter Luglio (to injury), one of our better players, people stepped up. We were really passionate about the season. It ended unfortunately but we can proud of setting the school record for wins in a season and just playing strong throughout the season. We beat a bunch of 2A schools that normally are bigger and better than us. I think that was pretty cool as well.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.