Star Players Star Players

Grade:11

GPA:4.0

ODYSSEY Star Players are selected based on their academic standing and commitment to teammates, their sports program and Clarke Central High School. Star Players are written for each issue by the Sports Staff based on interviews with players and coaches.

Willa Frierson

Years of experience:2

Game day ritual:I always make sure I eat a good lunch before and a good breakfast and drink lots of water.Sometimes I’ll take an electron tablet or something, but that’s kind of it.

Favorite memory:I didn’t play freshman year in the Region 8-AAAAA Tournament,but seeing everybody play was really fun.They were all putting in a lot of effort and the bus ride,even though we didn’t do the best, was fun.

Role Model:My dad, because he’s the one that got me into tennis and growing up,he was very good,so he helped me and inspired me.

What coaches say:”Willa is a focused and consistent player while regularly playing against opponents’ top competition.”

-- Elliot Slane,CCHS head boys and girls varsity tennis coach

Kene Onunkwo

Grade:10

GPA:4.0

Years of experience:8

Game day ritual:I just try to calm down before the game, get loose and have fun.I listen to hip-hop andAfro-beats.

Favorite memory:When I was younger, I would play soccer with my dad and his friends and also my brother who also played varsity for Clarke Central.

Role Model:I don’t have a specific one,but anyone who lifts me up and also strives (for) me to be better.

What coaches say:“(Kene is) just the engine of the midfield.He makes all the passes you could ever hope for,he covers all the ground,(he’s) got a great shot on him and he’s a leader.Everybody looks up to him.”

--Alec Zimmerman,CCHS head boys junior varsity soccer coach