ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Carly Mitchell

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

Haile Middle School student Carly Mitchell broke her ankle in May playing soccer. But just two weeks after rejoining practices, Mitchell, 13, and her teammates made it to the quarterfinals in the Challenge Sports 3v3 Nationals July 30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How long have you been playing soccer?
I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old. My brother and sister played.

What do you like most about the sport?
I don’t know. I just love it. I guess I’m really competitive. I’m not a runner on my own, though.

Having broken your arm twice and now your ankle while playing soccer, what keeps you coming back to the game?
I hate just watching. It bothers me. I’m not afraid I’m going to get hurt.

When you aren’t playing soccer, what do you most enjoy doing?
I don’t really do anything other than soccer, but I like to hang out with my friends.

How did you get ready for tournament play so quickly after being injured?
We would practice two weeks before (the tournament). I wasn’t really careful with it after I broke it. I was running and stuff.

What is your favorite subject in school?
I like orchestra and yearbook. Everyone I know is in orchestra. My favorite school subject is math.

What other school activities do you enjoy?
4-H. I raise a pig. We’ll get it in September and sell it in January at the fair. I’ve done it since I was 8.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I would want to fly. That’d be cool.

What’s your favorite amusement park?
I like Busch Gardens. I like more roller coasters.