Southwest Orange Observer: Sports Spotlight — Courtney Mogauro

A sophomore on the Windermere Prep girls soccer team, Courtney Mogauro has been playing soccer at the school since sixth grade and began getting playing time on the varsity team in eighth grade. Since then, Mogauro has become a scoring machine for the Lakers — leading Windermere Prep in goals last year as a freshman.

When did you first get into soccer?

I started playing in third grade competitively, and I got into it because my parents me to just try whatever sport I wanted. I tried a lot, and then I started playing soccer. I really loved it and I didn’t want to try other sports, because I knew it was just the one I wanted to play.

What was it about soccer that drew you to the sport?

I’m a very competitive person, and I guess it just made me competitive, and I loved it.

What has motivated you to stay in this sport for so long?

Honestly, I just think that it’s just the love for the sport. I enjoy playing it, and I never get sick of it. A lot of people stop playing sports — they get burned out. But I just never have that feeling.

What is the most challenging part about playing soccer? The most fun aspect?

Probably just trying to improve, especially when you’re playing other people and you know they are better than you. You just want to improve, and it’s hard sometimes. You don’t want to get down on yourself because you’re not as good, but it’s hard to not to — you just have to get better. The most fun thing is probably just having fun — playing and enjoying your time playing.

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given when it comes to playing soccer?

Stay composed, stay calm and don’t get worried about it. Just keep calm and do what you’re supposed to do, and everything will be fine — it’ll work out.

What would you say is the toughest part about playing in the midfield? The most fun aspect?

Midfield is kind of the quarterback — you have to command and you’re in the middle of everything, so you get the ball often and it’s hard to distribute the ball. And a challenge is making sure everyone stays organized and making that happen. The fun thing is definitely having the control, and you get to distribute the ball and you’re always in the play.

Has there been a highlight moment for you that stands out since you first started playing soccer at Windermere Prep?

Last year, I was the leading goal scorer for the girls team as a freshman, so that was a definite highlight. Game-wise, we played against TFA and they were beating us 2-0 or 3-0 at half, but then we came back and won. It was a good game for us, and they are our rivals, so that was definitely a good moment.

Coming into the season, did you have any goals in mind that you wanted to accomplish?

I wanted to be the leading goal scorer again, because I feel like that is a good accomplishment. And I just want to improve myself — get better at what I do and my skills and whatnot.