Sophomore Hook looking to provide leadership

While the Tippecanoe girls soccer team lost a lot of talented seniors from last year, one name to watch this year is a sophomore who looks to take her game to another level.

Maddie Hook is a name that opposing teams will have to deal with this season when a young but talented Red Devils squad hits the field in August.  Hook earned all conference honors as a freshman and the rising soccer star admits how special it was to be honored by the coaches in the MVL.

“It was a huge honor being noticed at such a young age, but my goal freshman year was to make varsity,” Hook said. “I worked as hard as I could at all summer trainings to prove that I was able to compete at varsity level. It felt rewarding to receive the recognition because I just go out and play the game I love.” “Honestly, I was surprised that I got selected for the awards. I think my success last season came from the relationships I developed with my coaches and teammates, family and friends supporting me, and hard work to achieve my goals.”  Hook knows the tradition with the Tipp girls soccer program runs deep, and begins at a young age by getting the youth ready for what they have to look forward to. 

“I think that the girls soccer program has always been successful because of the opportunities that Tipp City provides such as youth rec and club soccer programs, which helps get kids interested in soccer at a young age,” she said. “Also the camps that the high school soccer programs are hosting help build relationships with the younger kids and the high school athletes.” “I got to help out at both of the camps this summer, and I can truly say it was such a fun experience. I loved connecting with all the kids through teaching and playing games. We have a great coaching staff that is devoted to the success of the team. They create a positive environment and help strengthen relationships among the players. Those are important factors to continue having a successful program.” 

With camps behind them now, the ladies can turn their attention to the task at hand, going after another league title. Tipp tied for the crown last season and Hook thinks they can repeat this fall.  “Winning the championship last year was an amazing accomplishment and we had a great group of players that worked well together,” she said. “I think having good chemistry and good communication on and off the field will be a key factor in us winning another championship.” “We have a lot of talent, so if we continue to work hard I feel that it is possible for us to win another league championship and win districts. My goal is to go farther in the tournament this year, and I would love to win a state championship in high school.” 

Hook will be one of the key players this season, but her skill development is something she takes very serious all year around. “Improving and preparing is not limited to summer training,” she said. “I am a year round soccer player, so outside of high school season I play club soccer. I just transitioned to a new club team, FC Dayton who plays in the ECNL Regional League. For the past few years, I have worked with trainers at Dayton Functional Fitness in Beavercreek to develop my technical skills. I have worked with a lot of trainers, but my main trainer is Shane Smith. It has been a huge help in strengthening my skills.” 

“Since last season, I have become more of a leader and improved my communication on the field. I also improved my confidence with playing center back. I haven’t been playing this position very long and last season I was learning.  I understand the role better, so now I can be more helpful to my teammates on the field.” Hook has learned that her time has come to be one of the leaders of this year’s team, even with her only being a sophomore. 

“Some of the biggest things I have learned from my freshmen year and into my sophomore year is to adjust to losing the seniors,” she said. “This is the first time I have experienced this, and I miss last year's seniors. When you play club soccer you’re basically with the same group of girls all the time, so I wasn’t expecting to feel that loss.” 

“Also, now that I’m not the youngest and we have new underclassmen, I’m learning they may look up to me for instruction or direction.” Soccer practice for the Red Devils starts a week from Friday as they prepare for the start of the new season.