Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Anna Rivera, New Trier basketball
Anna Rivera is a senior guard for the Trevians. She sank two free throws to clinch her team’s victory against Fenwick on Nov. 23. Rivera is also a state-qualifying mid-distance runner on New Trier’s track team.
1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
I don’t have anything I am superstitious about. I just do it. Nothing has to be like in place.
2. What do you hope to do next year?
I’m going into business. I just hope to learn a lot about finance and my major and get a good job.
3. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?
In the winter, I really like to ski and snowboard, and during the summer, I am really into camping and hiking.
4. If you were to try another sport, what would it be?
I’d definitely want to play ice hockey. I used to play it and wish I could still. It looks super fun. It’s quick, like a fast-paced game.
5. What is your favorite athlete?
I really like Sydney McLaughlin (-Levrone; Team USA mid-distance runner/hurdler). She takes a lot of pride in what she does. She radiates confidence and it’s impressive. That is how I want to look when I do something. And she’s also really good.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I’d probably go to Switzerland. There are really pretty mountains, and I’ve never been there before.
7. What is your top sports highlight so far?
In basketball, last year during our regional, I shot my very first three and I made it. So I was 100 percent from three. Everyone on the team went nuts.
8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?
I’d probably get a pack of gum. I always chew gum when I do anything. It helps me focus. Anything mint from Extra.
9. What is something people don’t know about you?
I would say people don’t know I’m super into hiking and camping. I’ve been doing a summer camp where I go out for three weeks every year since eighth grade. I’ve made some of my best friends doing that. You connect with nature and it’s just really fun.
10. What can this team accomplish this season?
I really want to win a regional again this year and I think we can do that. We really need to put a lot of energy into practicing. We have a lot of potential and can show these teams we are capable of things they don’t think we are.
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Joe Coughlin
Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319