Whenever the Raiders need words of encouragement, they know exactly whom to call on. Along with being a four-year starter and team captain, senior goalie Danielle DeLisle is an award-winning public speaker. DeLisle, who maintains a 4.0 grade-point average, has been a participant in Model United Nations, which allows students to take on roles as diplomats and participate in simulated United Nations sessions. As a sophomore, she was awarded second place among public speakers at the conference. DeLisle also plays basketball and lacrosse, and has been class president all four of her years at Loch Raven. She is undecided on a college but is considering Virginia and would like to continue playing soccer.
Question: : What goals does the team have for this season?
Answer: : It would be great to go to the state championship game this year and win it. We've been close in the past. In my freshman year, we went to the semifinals, and we've been fighting to get back there ever since. This being my senior year, I'd love to go out with a bang. It would be awesome.
Q: : Is there any more urgency this year?
A: : I don't think so. It would definitely be nice, and I'm going to work very hard to try to get there, but if it happens, it happens. It's no more urgent now than before - you always want to win.
Q: : How did you end up in goal?
A: : I was playing striker for my club team in the seventh grade and our goalie broke her wrist, so they asked if anyone had any experience. I played in rec ball, so I was like, 'I've done it,' and they were like, 'Can you play the rest of this game?' I haven't been out of the goal since.
Q: : What do you enjoy most about playing in goal?
A: : I love how you always have to play well. You can't take a minute off; you always have to be mentally in the game. People always say you don't have to run that much, so that's the position I want to play. That's not it at all for me. I think you have to be in such great shape and you have to be agile and you've got to be mentally prepared all the time. And that's a greater challenge than the physical part of the game.
Q: : What does it feel like making a big save?
A: : It's incredible because if you're an inch farther to one side you may not have gotten there. It's all about the perfect timing. It's great because after a certain time it just becomes muscle memory, so it's almost like you know you're going to get there. It's a good feeling.
