Athlete of the Week: Alicia Qian, Windermere Preparatory School

THE BASICS
Age: 18
Sport: Golf
Grade: Senior
School: Windermere Prep

In her senior season at Windermere Preparatory School, golfer Alicia Qian is finishing her high school career on a high note. Qian took home the individual Class 1A, District 6 championship and led the Lakers to a second-place finish after shooting a 70 (-2). 

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I feel incredibly honored and motivated. It’s a recognition of hard work, dedication and success in sports.

What do you like the most about playing golf?
The uncertainties out there on the course keep my day fresh. Different factors including weather, course conditions, mental factors, strategy and swing consistency could highly influence your game. Some days, you might not have the best swing, but you get some lucky shots. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing golf?
Never give up. You never know what’s going to happen until the very end. 

What is your favorite non-golf hobby?
Piano. Before focusing on golf, I played competitive piano for 14 years.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Physics. The class has the best vibe out of all the classes I take in school. Mr. Mac has a great sense of humor, and he is very responsible.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
My phone for connections, a stack of non-fiction books for mental wellness, and food and water for survival.

What is your favorite movie?
“Titanic.” For me, it’s not just the romance between two protagonists. I also learned about various aspects of human nature. 

If you could have dinner with one person in the world who would it be?
Taylor Swift, without a doubt.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? Why?
I would go back to eight years ago and be more gentle to myself, because I used to be too tough on myself, which led to me later getting burnt out.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
Every situation is a gift; it just comes in different forms, and it’s all about how you perceive it. Sometimes, life may seem tough, but you can learn from those experiences and make yourself stronger.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
What’s the thing that I should look forward to the most in the next 10 years?

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
I admire Spider-Man for his witty personality and his commitment to using his powers responsibly for the greater good.

Who is your favorite super villain? Why?
The Joker. He embodies chaos and a mastermind of unpredictability. His dark humor makes him an iconic and captivating antagonist.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. I really enjoy traveling. With the superpower of teleportation, I’m able to travel to many different places in a short time. 

What are three places you would like to visit?
France, Finland and Greece. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A bunny. Bunnies have a gentle nature, and they appear to be pleasant every day with boundless energy.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Not an option — for me at least.