Red Devils enjoyed their high school sports careers, sad to miss playing as a senior
Today we present the final installment of athlete profiles that did not run during the spring season, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
Name: Chloe Lapointe
Year: senior
Hometown: Burr Ridge
What was it like not having a senior water polo season?
I actually tore my labrum before the Red-White meet. That was my first and last game. It was going to be my last game anyway because of my shoulder, but not being able to play because of coronavirus and my shoulder (was disappointing). Senior season is supposed to be the best season.
How have you improved since your freshman year?
Oh my gosh, probably so much. Freshman year I could barely hold a ball. Senior year I was teaching freshmen how to grip the ball. My treading, I couldn't put my hands up for very long freshman year. I can now tread for however long with my hands up - two hours, literally.
How would your teammates describe you?
They would describe me hopefully as a leader. I've always taken initiative, but I also know when it's a good time to have fun and let loose.
What do you do to relax?
I love sleeping or just watching TV or hanging out with my family. We love to play cards in my family.
Do you have a summer gig?
I nanny every Monday through Friday in the summer. Two boys - they're in seventh and fifth grade. Super easy, super chill.
What's next?
I'm going to the University of Denver, studying business. I just love the scenery but it's sunny 300 days of the year. I love being able to go away for a weekend, go to Vail or something, take a bus and go skiing. I'm going to play club water polo.
Why did coach Chris Ortiz like having Lapointe on the team?
This was her second year of captaincy. I couldn't imagine having a stronger leader in the goal to spur her team on to be the best that they can be. As a person in the goal, she saw everything unfolding as the game played. She would help direct people on defense when the other team was on our side of the pool and she made everybody better. Her voice was one that commanded respect and that I certainly will not forget anytime soon. She was just a joy to have on the team.
Name: Herbert Wang
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
What was it like not having a senior gymnastics season?
It was really disappointing because senior season I was planning to improve a lot because I have more time without working on college (applications) to improve my strength, improve my skill. I also was looking forward to lead the team.
When did you start competing in gymnastics?
I actually started freshman year. I had some fundamental skills, but I was very new to the sport. I didn't know anything or anyone. It was one of the first communities I formed in high school that I felt attached to.
Is there a moment that stands out?
Junior year when I started to do parallel bars more rigorously, there was one trick that I was not able to get at all and then the old head coach, Coach Wanner, he basically worked with me for a couple of days and he helped me surpass the mental barrier of doing a back flip off
the parallel bars.
What do you do to relax?
I enjoy cooking a lot. It's like a creative side of me. I enjoy going to other people's houses and seeing what they have in their fridge or pantry and making a meal out of it. I do the same at home. I like creating something new out of what we have.
Do you have any special talents?
I can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 30 seconds.
Do you have a summer gig?
I was going to continue my lab work at University of Chicago. Because of corona, they closed down the lab. This summer I'm also working on data analysis for an online trader and I'm finishing my Eagle Scout.
What's next?
I'm going to attend Duke University. I'm probably going to major in math and have a double major in some science. I'm not sure what science yet. I probably will be doing some club gymnastics if I have time.
Why did coach C.J. Johnson like having Wang on the team?
Herbert Wang is a great young man. He has his own US patent, and is very smart.
