Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Noah Capocchi, New Trier soccer

Noah Capocchi is a senior forward for the Trevians. He was named to the All-Tournament team at the Northside College Showcase.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Before every game, I make sure to drink a full water bottle of Liquid IV to stay hydrated. I like the watermelon one.

2. What do you hope to do after high school?

I do not know my plans. I am still figuring it out. It’s so tough, because you’re either sacrificing education or athletics. I’d love to play for a school if I can.

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

Off the field my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends and drive my car. I have a yellow Mustang. I got it last year. It’s like my favorite thing.

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

I’d say basketball. I am able to dunk and do some other cool tricks. So if I just dialed in the shooting parts, I’d be OK.

5. What is your favorite sports memory?

Winning the state championship last year. I can’t say there is anything that beats that. I think in the moment — we were such a solid team — it felt like it was expected. We were so locked in and didn’t even feel like we won. But looking back at it, we accomplished so much. In the moment, it was business as usual, but reflecting on it you realize the magnitude of the event.

6. Who is your favorite athlete?

That’s a tough one. I think my favorite athlete is Patrick Kane (NHL—former Chicago Blackhawk). I’ve always been a fan of his highlights and competitiveness and goal scoring. Before soccer games I used to watch Patrick Kane highlight videos. It used to get me fired up.

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

I think I’m going to buy Haribo Twin Snakes, those gummy snakes.

8. When did you know you were a soccer player?

One time a couple years back, maybe the summer before sixth grade or fifth grade, I was in a summer camp at Carthage College. I played really well, had a great camp and had an even better time. It was like a 200-person camp … and I ended up winning the MVP of the camp. I knew at that moment — it was surreal — (soccer) is what I had to keep doing.

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

That I’m Australian. I was born in Australia, my parents are Australian. I have dual citizenship. I don’t have an accent, but those are my roots. I was about 7 years old (when we came to the United States). It took a while for (the accent) to wear off, but eventually I settled in.

10. What can this team accomplish a year after a state championship?

Tragically, we’ve been plagued by many injuries to some of our best players. I still think we are capable of winning state again. We have strong brotherhood — looking out for each other and trying to do what’s best for the team. We hold the strong values of the NT program, and I give credit to coach (Matt) Ravenscraft. … If we’re living our character values off the field and on the field, I think we can win state again.

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.