ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Cristina Roque

The girls soccer team at SunRidge Middle School in Winter Garden went undefeated in the regular season and defeated Bridgewater Middle Oct. 21 1-0 for a spot in the Orange County Public Schools Middle School Championship Oct. 27 at West Orange High School against Avalon Middle. Helping to lead the way for SunRidge (9-0) all season has been eighth-grader Cristina Roque, 13.

What kind of emotions were you feeling as you won the semifinals and earned a spot in the county championship?

I was really excited. Last year, we did not make it to the finals because we lost in the semifinals. 

Are you looking forward to playing on the turf field at West Orange High in the championship?

I’m really excited, because there are going to be a lot of people there to cheer us on. (Playing on turf) is different, because the ball moves faster and you have to take better touches.

What has been your favorite memory so far from this season?

Probably going against (and defeating) Maitland, since they beat us last year.

Obviously, you’ve done pretty well this season, but how proud of your teammates are you?

I’m very proud of them. They’ve been working hard to do better and work as a team.

What is your favorite subject at school?

My favorite subject is probably language arts. I like to write.

What’s the last good movie you saw?

Probably “Ride Along” — I liked that movie. It was really funny.

Because you’re going to the United States Women’s National Team match on Oct. 25, can you recall how excited you were during the team’s World Cup run?

I was very excited, because they worked really hard and trained every day. I really like Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe.

Are you inspired by the addition of a women’s professional soccer team to Orlando?

Yes, because I get to see what they do and how it feels to get to that level.

Do you play any other sports?

I’ve done track here (at SunRidge), but soccer is my favorite.

What’s your dream job?

To be a professional soccer player.