Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Kevin Farina, New Trier soccer

Kevin Farina is a senior defender and co-captain for the Trevians. He scored the game-winning goal in the team’s supersectional win Nov. 1.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I eat a peanut butter and banana sandwich before games, but that’s about it. I listen to music, but I wouldn’t say anything specific that is part of my ritual.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

I’m trying to play college soccer. That’s my goal. There are a couple places I could go that I’m still deciding on. I’m waiting a little bit to make the decision.

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

I’d probably say spend time with my dogs and my family. Play games or walking the dogs. I have two boxers: Nala and Suki.

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

I’d play basketball. I used to play basketball when I was a kid. I got cut from the middle school team, and I just stopped playing. I still play intramurals at New Trier. I’d say basketball is my second favorite sport.

5. Who is your favorite athlete?

I’d have to say Son Heung-min from (Premier League’s) Tottenham Hotspur. That’s my favorite team and he’s their best payer. He’s like a really funny person, from clips of him on Instagram. He works hard and is really good. That makes it easy for him to be favorite player.

6. What is your dream job?

I’d probably say a teacher maybe. I’ve always wanted to teach, but I also like animals. But I haven’t really thought about that much.

7. Of the four Farina brothers to play New Trier soccer, you’re the only to make it to state. Did you just win bragging rights in the family?

I’d like to think so, but they ended up playing at Notre Dame, so I don’t really know if I’ve got leverage over them yet. It’s definitely something I look forward to making fun of them (Jojo, Spencer and Jeffrey) for.

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

I really like Vitamin Water; that’s a hot take. I feel like a lot of people hate it. I like the original. And probably a bag of Sour Patch Kids or Airheads.

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

I used to play volleyball in middle school. When I played I was the libero, which is like the shortest kid on the team. But I grew before high school thankfully.

10. 21 wins, just one loss and a trip to state, what has this season been like?

It’s great. There’s been a lot of times we’ve gone behind as team, and in the back of your head, you’re thinking this could be over. But we’ve always fought through it. It makes me confident that we could make it all the way. .. There have been a lot of special moments as a team, and it’s great to get New Trier back to state. I’m really excited for how it’s going to end as well.

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