Girls POTM: Abbey Welsh
Abbey Welsh ‘28 has had a phenomenal year for the Girls Varsity Cross Country team. She has won two races and has shown great dedication to the sport.
Welsh credits her success to her team saying, “When everyone around me is trying their best, it motivates me to put in my best effort as well. I try to motivate my teammates in return.”
She started running at the young age of seven years old. Her mother was a runner at Washington University in St. Louis, and Welsh credits her for getting her into the sport. When in elementary school, her gym teacher saw the talent she had for running and convinced her to join the school’s run club.
Game day preparations are key in cross country and Welsh takes hers seriously. The day before, she makes sure to “drink plenty of water, eat a good dinner and get as much sleep as I can, and I even stretch the night before for good measure.” On meet day, she “eats full meals and makes sure to hydrate plenty.” This helps her keep the energy and endurance she needs to have success in the race.
Outside of the daily team practices she puts in her own work. “I run on the weekends as well. I try to lift sometimes, which is a nice switch up from just going on runs and builds muscle for strength during races.”
Her driving motivation to continue is being able to break new personal records. “There is no better feeling than after a race when you know you ran a PR and competed the best you could. Races themselves are very challenging, but they are equally rewarding, especially when you perform well.”
Abbey Welsh ‘28 is The Spectator’s pick for October player of the month. The rising sophomore star was excellent on the course this fall.
Boys POTM: Diego Pedroza
Diego Pedroza ‘26 is a senior for the Boys Varsity Soccer Team and has been named the Spectator’s Player of the Month for October. Leading the team in goals, Diego has had a strong leadership role for the Caxys this season.
Diego has been playing soccer for 10 years. He started because of his dad, who introduced him to the game. Playing with friends and making new memories is what he has enjoyed most about soccer through the years.
At school, Diego represents LFA with pride. He has become a key part of the team this fall. Off the field, he also plays with Chicago Magic to continue developing his skills.
He puts in extra work, training on his own twice a week, along with the team’s daily practice. Coaches and teammates push him to get better each and every day. His dedication stands out on and off the field with his precision and leadership.
Diego doesn’t rely on pregame rituals or superstitions. He likes to keep it simple and just have fun with friends. Staying relaxed helps him focus on the game. His chemistry at LFA is a big strength as everyone enjoys playing together. That connection shows every time they step on the field.
For Diego, the sport is about more than competition. He hopes to play soccer in college very soon, bringing all he’s learned with him. From his years of playing, he cites “all the memories and friendships” for fueling his love for the game.
Diego’s October recognition reflects what LFA soccer is all about: hard work, team chemistry and enjoying the game. This Player of the Month award is a sign of his passion for the sport.
