Tahlequah’s Mena Aldridge plays a big part on the soccer field for the Lady Tigers.
“Mena is our vocal team captain on the field,” Tahlequah head coach Stacie Grooms said. “She plays a midfield/defensive position. She is the engine for us for sure.”
VYPE: What are your goals for this season?
Mena: My biggest goals for this upcoming season are to improve my resilience with my team and work our hardest for personal success.
VYPE: What has soccer taught you that you use in your daily life?
Mena: Playing soccer has taught me to be fearless of failure and to stay determined, keep practicing, and continue working hard for myself and others.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?
Mena: My favorite teacher over the years has to be Heather Willis, who was my Spanish teacher for three years at the high school. Ms. Willis has always shown so much affection towards all of her students. She is always making sure every student is heard and confident in her classes, which makes her one of the best teachers I have ever had!
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
Mena: My biggest inspiration has to be my mom. My mom has taught me to be a strong and confident young woman, like herself. She always reminds me to keep pushing towards my dreams and to achieve through endeavor.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Mena: The teammate that has left the biggest impression on me is freshman Kenzie Daniels. She came in this season fierce and ready to work every practice. When I was a freshman I was nowhere near where she is now and that inspires me. Her hard work and determination have taken her so far this season and I can not wait to play with her!!
VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?
Mena: My favorite part about being on a team is knowing that I can turn to any of my teammates and they will listen to me and have my back no matter what I say.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?
Mena: If I could pick anywhere to go during the summer, I would absolutely go to the beach with my best friend, Emma Sherron. Our families always go to the beach together and it is always so much fun and memorable.
VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?
Mena: I am passionate about playing soccer because it gives me something to work for and look forward to every day. Soccer as well allows me to create goals and improve myself.
VYPE: Here is your chance to say hello, goodbye or thank you to anyone you wish.
Mena: I want to say thank you to my parents and family for always supporting me and being there for me these past years in playing this sport. I also want to thank my coaches for believing in me and making me a better player every single practice. Lastly, I want to thank and say goodbye to my teammates. The bonds and friendships we have all created with each other are inseparable and mean so much to me. I could not ask for better teammates who are so talented and have such bright futures ahead of them! I can not wait to watch them grow and play in the future. I love all of you so much and thank you guys for everything!!!
