Athlete of the Week: McKenna McBride, Horizon soccer

Horizon High girls soccer midfielder McKenna McBride is leading her team with seven goals in its first five games, averaging 2.3 goals per game. She is ranked No. 56 in the nation for her goal stat. 

The senior already has announced her commitment to take her talents to Division II school Columbus State. She has played on varsity all four years of high school and is on track to surpass her season high of eight goals, which she recorded both her freshman and junior year. She developed her running skills through TeamPrep USA’s long distance training program in Gunnison, Colorado, and Tampa.

What do you enjoy most about soccer? 

Staying competitive and playing with my teammates is what I enjoy most about soccer.

When did you start soccer and why did you join? 

I started soccer when I was 5 years old, and I joined because my dad put me on a team.

What is your biggest accomplishment in soccer?

My biggest accomplishment with soccer is getting committed to a very competitive college program at Columbus State.

What has soccer taught you? 

Soccer has taught me a lot about being patient and focusing on my own timeline.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I would describe myself as a teammate (who) encourages others to do their best so together we can be the best players and people we can be.

What advice would you give someone who just joined soccer? 

If someone just joined soccer, I would say have fun but also have the self-discipline to continue to grow and reach your goals.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

If I was a coach, I would give a speech to my team encouraging everyone to try their best and focus on the things they can control.

What is your pre-game ritual?

My pre-game ritual is to do my handshake with my friend, Jaylynne, and listen to hype music.

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why? 

If I could pick a different sport, I would choose track, because it helps keep your body in shape.

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to my dad the most, because he always encourages me to do my best and gives me opportunities that lots of daughters don’t get.

What is something new you would like to learn?

I would like to learn to surf, because I love the beach.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

If I didn’t live in Florida, I would live in Hawaii, because it’s so beautiful, and the food there is amazing.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

If I won the lottery, I would move me and my family to Hawaii and live on the beach and retire.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because there’s a happy feeling when it’s Christmastime, and there are gifts.

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to be a sports nutritionist when I am older.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

If I were famous, it would be for something athletic, because I love working out.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

If I had a spirit animal, it would be a cheetah, because I love running.

What is your perfect day? 

My perfect day would be sleeping in, getting Chick-fil-A breakfast, then going to the beach with friends and spending the night on the beach.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? 

I would rather eat fruit than vegetables.