ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ella Henderson

Horizon High School goalkeeper Ella Henderson had recently the highest clean sheet streak of her career on the soccer field. Henderson went for a total of six consecutive games without allowing her opponents to reach the net once.

Tell us about having a six-game clean sheet on the field?
It felt really good, because we’ve also come together more as a team, and (our coach) has kind of put us all together, especially in defense. We just learned how to communicate more and just work better as a unit, so that really helps. It’s not just me; it’s defense, too.

Is this the first time you have a zero-goal streak for that many games in a row?
Yes, because last year, we were a new program, so we were still trying to feel our team and figure out how to work together. We’ve done a lot better this year with keeping a lot of clean sheets.

Talk to us about your years as a soccer player.
I’ve been plying since I was 5 (years old), and I’ve always been a goalkeeper, because I was the only one who raised her hand when in (recreation class) they asked who wanted to be a goalkeeper. I just stuck to it since then. … I’ve always loved (soccer), so I stuck with it.

Why soccer?
I chose soccer because that was really the only big sport where I lived before (Tennessee). I tried gymnastics, and I had to choose between the two of them when I moved (to Orlando), and I just loved soccer way more.

What do you love most about soccer as a sport?
I really just love the team. And, especially with high school soccer, I just really love my coach and the coaches that I’m surrounded with. I love the program that I’m a part of and being with my team and being able to meet a lot of new people.

How long have you been a part of the Hawks soccer team?
Just for the past two years since the school opened. I went to Windermere (High School) before, and I was in the soccer team there, too.

What do you believe soccer has taught you not only on the field but also off of it?
It’s taught me that it’s a lot easier to be social and just makes it easier to make friends, because you always have people you are surrounded with. And it also teaches you patience, because you are obviously working as a team, so you have to be patient with one another.

Do you have a favorite drill?
At team practice, I really like doing corners a lot, because those are always good to work on so you can get in the habit of it. And then, in goalkeeper practice, I really love working on dives.

What do you think makes you a unique goalie on the soccer field?
Obviously, I am a goalkeeper, so I have to talk to my team a lot and give them some criticism sometimes. But, I think it’s also important that I like to bring humor in, too.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?
Mainly by just trying to talk to everyone and try to get everyone together, because I just kind of go around, talk to everyone and make new conversation.

What’s your favorite movie?
“10 Things I Hate About You.” I just think it’s really cute.

What’s your favorite music?
Country. I like to listen to Zach Bryan.

Who is your favorite superhero?
I think Spider-Man, just because I like those movies the best.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably flying just so I can go back and forth to Tennessee whenever I want.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
I want to go to France, because I’ve heard a lot of good things about the food. Bora Bora, just because it’s really pretty, and they have outside activities. And then, Hawaii, because it’s also a lot of outside things to do and different people to see.

What color would you say represents your personality?
Probably blue. I don’t really know why, but it’s my favorite color.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?
Probably a panda, just because they are really chill and they can just hang around.

What do you want to study in college?
I want to go into nursing; I want to be a physician’s assistant.