Abbi Adler ’20 is a new junior, who currently plays striker for Girls’ Varsity Soccer. Though she has only been on the team for a few months, she has already made a significant impact on the team’s performance. Recently, Abbi sat down with staff reporter Allen Zheng ’21 to talk about adjusting to life at Choate, and her team’s playoff chances.
Allen Zheng: When did you start playing soccer?
Abbi Adler: When I was five years old. I started soccer at such a young age because my brother played and my dad really liked the sport. He actually coached me for a few years when I was first starting.
AZ: Where did you play soccer prior to Choate?
AA: I played on a small club team in North Carolina, which is where I’m from, and later at my high school as well.
AZ: What are some differences you have noticed so far about prep school soccer compared to where you previously played?
AA: I’d say the biggest difference is how much people care here. People here at Choate really care about the team as a whole and work throughout the entire game. I can just think of a few really close games this year where we’ve been down or tied late in the game and you can just see everyone on the field giving their all. Our last game against Hotchkiss we were down 0-1 with about two minutes left in the game and we were fortunately able to pull out a tie.
AZ: What have been some challenges coming in as a junior to a new school and a new team?
AA: At first, acclimating was a little bit challenging, with academics, sports, and just everything all at once. There hasn’t been one thing in particular that has stuck out as the most difficult, but the combination of everything has made it a little hard to adjust.
AZ: What’s your favorite thing about the Choate soccer team?
AA: My favorite thing is definitely how close we are. We all get along with each other really well, which is great for team chemistry, and that helps us on the field.
AZ: Did you apply to other schools? Why did you choose Choate over other schools?
AA: I applied to about eight to ten other schools, but I chose Choate because of the community. Also, what set Choate a part from a lot of other schools is I would be able to play club soccer at CFC, a local club, during the offseason, allowing me to play soccer year-round.
AZ: What are your favorite things about Choate so far outside of soccer?
AA: So far, I’ve joined the symphony orchestra, where I play violin, and a few other clubs, which has been great. I also love how I can go into town on the weekends and do stuff like go out to eat with friends.
AZ: Do you have any future goals with soccer?
AA: I plan, and hope, to play in college.
AZ: What is one piece of advice you would give to a new Choate soccer player?
AA: I would say to just come in with an open mind. It’s important to be willing to try new things. For example, if Coach asks you to play a new position, have an open mind and listen to what he or she has to say.
AZ: Who is your favorite soccer player?
AA: I’d say Cristiano Ronaldo because we play similar positions and his style of play is very aggressive and I think I have a lot to learn from watching him play.
Photo courtesy of Ami Hoq
