This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Essay Written by MCHS Soccer Player to be Published in Teen Vogue

In addition to being published, the accomplishment landed the team a training session with national soccer player.

Lenny Hernandez, Junior

People submit letters to the editor frequently. Some individuals even take a chance and submit a short story to a magazine and receive a prize. But, many don’t take the time out to write because they don’t think their opinion will matter.

Lenny Hernandez took that chance. 

Find out what's happening in Channahon-Minookawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last May, Hernandez, a member of the MCHS Girls' Soccer Team, won an essay contest sponsored by “Teen Vogue” magazine. Her essay focused on her team’s unity, on and off the field.

The prize was a team workout with England women’s national soccer player Alex Scott. The team also won Puma athletic apparel. 

Find out what's happening in Channahon-Minookawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hernandez said she was thrilled when she received the news that she won the essay contest; especially since one of her teammates encouraged her to enter.

“I didn’t think I would win because I’m not a writer,” Hernandez said, adding that the only other activity she participates in at school is the organization of the yearbook.

Teammate was also an inspiration for Hernandez to write the essay. Gewalt, senior and the team’s goal keeper, was during the soccer season.

“We have become closer and we are family,” Hernandez said. “ Although our team didn’t win many games, our bond has grown stronger.”

According to Hernandez, the essay will be published in the November/December issue of “Teen Vogue.”

Soccer takes up most of Hernandez’s time. And she doesn’t mind that at all. What is unique about her soccer experience is that she started playing at a much later age than most children in the and areas do.

Kids as young as 4 are setting foot onto the soccer field these days, but Hernandez didn’t start kicking a soccer ball until the seventh grade.

“I didn’t make the basketball team, so my mom encouraged me to try out for the soccer team,” Hernandez said. “I was happy I made the team and that my mom made me try out.”

In the spring, Hernandez will have try-outs for the school team. She hopes that her skills and determination on the field will earn her another opportunity to play the game she has fallen in love with. 

Her family enjoys traveling throughout the United States and hitting the beaches. However, one day she wants to venture overseas to Spain and see it’s professional soccer team play.

Hernandez plans to continue her game into her college years.

And when she goes to University of Wisconsin in Madison, she plans to major in the medical field. Hernandez wants to become a physician assistant for a pediatrician.

While soccer is pretty much 24-7, Hernandez said she catches a movie or goes shopping at the mall with her friends.

“I’m outgoing, really nice and very athletic,” Hernandez said. “I have a good sense of humor and get a long with lots of people.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Channahon-Minooka