Athlete of the Week: Addy Petch, West Orange girls lacrosse

Despite being sidelined with a season-ending injury, a fractured fibula, West Orange High girls lacrosse player Addy Petch had yet another great season for the Warriors, having bagged a career-high 39 goals and dished out a team-leading 14 assists. Petch also set another career-high with 53 total points — in just nine games. For comparison, she scored 29 goals in 16 games as a sophomore and 26 goals in 19 games as a freshman. 

The junior midfielder, who has been a vital part of this West Orange program for the past three seasons, recently announced her commitment to continue her LAX career following high school at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. 

The Basics

Age: 16

Sport: Girls lacrosse

Grade: Junior

School: West Orange High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It feels great to be named Athlete of the Week! I have put in so much work this season, and I am honored and happy that it is paying off.

What do you enjoy the most about lacrosse?

I enjoy being a part of a team and leading as a junior captain. The thrill and adrenaline of playing drives me in every game.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from lacrosse?

I have learned to never take anything for granted after my season-ending injury. I have also learned to be selfless (because) I am playing for something greater than my own stats.

What is your favorite lacrosse memory?

I honestly could not pick one favorite memory. Lacrosse brings me so much joy, and I love every moment. l look forward to high school season all year.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, because Michigan is my favorite football team, and I loved watching him lead Michigan to a National Championship in person.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

I don’t like to eat too much before games, because I feel like I can’t run as fast. But I love to have a Snickers and energy drink before most games.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

My favorite hype song is “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Digital design because I love making art and graphics.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

I would take a boat so that I could leave the island, a lot of gas to fuel the boat and my phone to keep me entertained.

What is your favorite movie?

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” because it is hilarious and my parents always make jokes, referencing that movie when I “fake being sick” so I don’t have to go school.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

J. Cole because he is my favorite musician. One of my favorite songs by him is “Love Yourz” because of the meaning behind it. I even want to get a tattoo of the song title.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go to the Jurassic period so I could see dinosaurs.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Trust God’s timing, because everything happens for a reason. I would tell my younger self this because I feel like I used to think many things were unfair. But now I have realized there are many hard things that I went through in life that served a purpose.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Were there any decisions that you made that you wish were different?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Black Panther because that is my favorite Marvel movie, and I think his speed and strength is so cool.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would choose healing, so I could cure people when they are injured or sick.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?

The first place I would travel to would be Hawaii, because I think it is so beautiful and I have always wanted to go there. The second place would be Africa to see all of the animals. Third would be Greece because the buildings and style of living is beautiful.

What is your most controversial food take?

I like to eat pickles and potato chips together.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Pineapple 100% does not belong on pizza. I prefer plain cheese or pepperoni.