Marissa Harlow’s attitude and effort has made her a standout on the Lake Region varsity girls’ soccer team this fall says Coach Peter Webb.

A junior, Marissa has started every game this year filling the role as a holding midfielder.

“She continues to improve every game and has done a great job at thwarting any effort from the opposing team’s offense by breaking up their attack. Marissa has been a physical presence for us and has the vision to see the field and be able to find our midfielders and forwards with a nice pass to start our attack forward,” Coach Webb said. “She’s a pleasure to coach and is always looking to do what’s needed for the team. Her soccer IQ is high and that shows in her play. She’s a player that not everyone may notice, but her efforts are huge for our team’s success this season.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Marissa is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player of the Week Profile

Athlete: Marissa Harlow

Hometown: Naples, Maine

Year in School: Year 11

Parents: Jacqueline Harlow and Ryan Harlow

Sports you Play: Soccer, Indoor Track, Lacrosse, Competitive Dance

School Groups: Astra, Student Council, Varsity Club, Class Officer, METS

Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends

Future plans: Go to college

Q. What do you find most challenging about the sport? I think the most challenging thing about soccer is the trust and communication you have to have with your team. If there is a lack of communication or trust everything gets unorganized and then we don’t play to our full potential. Once we start not trusting each other it is hard to get back into a flow. 

Q. What goal did you set for yourself this season, and what will it take to reach that goal? A goal I set for myself this season is to give my best effort in every way possible. There are many different factors on how to reach this goal like eating healthy, drinking a lot of water, and sleeping. All of those are helpful, but I think the most important thing I can do is to stay in a positive mindset regardless of the situation. Things happen on and off the soccer field that sometimes I can’t control, but it doesn’t do anything for me or my team if I just give up.  

Q. What is your favorite sports memory and/or achievement (explain why)? My favorite sports memory is winning Division 2 Girls U14 State Championships with my travel team. My team and I had been playing on the travel team together ever since we were able to, and it created a bond between us that carried into the soccer team we have now. I remember when we first started out we were getting blown out by every team and would have no subs but we stuck with it because we cared. When we won the state championship it was proof that we had worked hard and built together as a team. We were all so proud of each other and ourselves, it is a feeling and memory that I will forever remember.  

Q. How has sports made you a better person? Starting sports as a child and growing up around them constantly has definitely made an impact on who I am today. Sports made me social and gave me friends that I have played with ever since. With my sports teams we have done productive things like cleaning up after Casco Days or helping with youth soccer practices. Sports have involved me in the community and pushed me to do better in academics.

Q. Name a teammate or coach you admire and explain why? I admire my teammate Abbi Nadeau. We play defensive mid together and are both new to the position. I admire her because she came in as a freshman and is starting on varsity in a position that she isn’t familiar with. She and I have been trying to learn to work together centrally but also support each other and balance the field. She is the best person to play with because she is always positive, trustworthy, and her energy and effort is constant. Abbi and I grew up together and it makes me so happy to be playing next to her on the field. I admire her ability to play under pressure and continuously be aggressive. I have so much trust in her that she will cover me and communicate with me. I am so proud of Abbi and I’m glad that I get to play with someone as reliable and hardworking as her.