Brooke Carson: The Iron Viking
This week’s TS athlete of the week is Brooke Carson, who by graduation will be one of the few student athletes to play three sports for four years, which entitles her to be an Iron Viking. She is a very gifted, hard working athlete, who sets the tone with an intensity that is underrated. While Brooke may not be recognized by her statistics, but any peer can justify her outstanding performance. With the Lady Vikings field hockey team having a successful season, and high chances of making the playoffs, we ask Brooke what her perspective on the team is.
TS: How does it feel to be selected as the TS player of the week?
BC: It’s a very nice compliment.
TS: How has training at TS impacted your performance on the field and court? What about your mindset?
BC: Training at TS has helped me so much both mentally and physically. Physically I have become so much stronger, quicker and explosive. It has also taught me how to breathe my way through nerves and tough situations. Mentally I have learned how everything is in my head and how to never give up, which at times can be more important then my physical qualities.
TS: With the field hockey team beating undefeated Mt.Blue, how does that set the tone moving forward in the season?
BC: Although our team does not play as often together as other teams, or is not given as much attention as a sport like basketball, we are still a very good team. Beating Mt. Blue just showed us that we can match up with any team and give them a really hard time. What our record doesn’t show is how close our loses are. Every game we play we seem to really challenge our opponents.
TS: How does it impact you knowing your teammates are just as competitive as you are?
BC: It’s comforting knowing that going into every game my teammates are going to give 100% effort. Being as competitive as we are just shows that we all care enough and really want to win.
TS: What is it like growing up in the Carson family, with a standout brother, attending a D1 school for baseball, and an upcoming talented sister? Does it pressure you to work harder?
BC: Honestly it’s a lot of fun. It’s awesome to be able to do lots of activities and games and have the 2 vs 2 be even no matter the match up. I don’t think that I feel any pressure to be better then them. Having my sister come in as freshman and everyone knowing she will for sure outshine me in basketball doesn’t seem to bother me at all. At some points it may be a little embarrassing but nothing but love and support for all 3 of my siblings.
TS: With only a few games left in the regular season, what is one thing you would like to take away from this season?
BC: Our team always seems to start the season off very strong and then decline near the end. I hope more then anything that this year we can change that and bring home at least one playoff win.
TS: You have mentioned that basketball isn’t your strongest passion, does winning a State Championship, impact your commitment to the sport?
BC: No I don’t believe it does. It was and still is a highlight of my life to be apart of something so big and special, but does not change my outlook on the sport itself.
TS: How does it feel to be a critical part of three successful teams going in to your senior year?
BC: It is so crazy to think that this is the end of high school sports. My goal is to contribute as much as I can to help get all three teams as far as we possibly can.
TS: When athletes make a mistake such as a missed shot on goal, they are mentally out of the game for the next 10-15 minutes. How do you stay focused and avoid that trap?
BC: When I miss a shot, the best thing to do is move on and focus on what I’m going to do next. The worst thing to do is fixated on something that already happened, I can’t go back and change it.
TS: When it comes to offense, you are the catalyst for Oxford Hills. With the KVAC matchup against Leavitt, your team forced 18 penalty corners. What do you do as a player to increase the pressure on the opposing defense and your chances of scoring?
BC: Getting the ball in the circle gives me a rush of adrenaline and excitement. I love corners and just having the ball in the circle. It’s very important to not let the ball back out and put lots of pressure on the goalie.
TS: Do you have any plans of playing field hockey in college? If so, where do you see yourself next fall?
BC: I plan to play field hockey at USM next fall.
TS: With so many kids specializing in one sport, how do you stay passionate all year round, playing three sports?
BC: It seems that with all three sports every season starts off very fun and upbeat and then after a while it fades off. Therefore it is very refreshing to begin a new season just when I am starting to lose passion for the season before.
