Athlete of the week: Ryan Sollazzo

Lakewood Ranch High junior forward Ryan Sollazzo recorded his first hat trick of the season to help lead the Mustangs to a 4-0 victory over district rival Braden River Nov. 28. Sollazzo, who has 18 goals on the season, also scored the lone goal in Lakewood’s 1-1 tie against Manatee Dec. 5.

Why do you think you have seen so much success this season?
I’m faster than the defenders. My teammates also send me perfect balls through (the middle). Teams know that I’m the person that scores all of the goals, so I get the ball more. That helps, too, but mainly it’s my speed that allows me to run by defenders.

What do you enjoy the most about being a forward?
Scoring. That’s easy. Everyone wants to be the person that scores all of the time.

How did you get into soccer?
I started playing when I was 4 years old. My dad wanted me to play a sport and soccer started a year before football. I found out I was good at soccer, and soccer and football were always in the same season, so I just always played soccer.

Do you prefer playing club or high school soccer?
I would have to say club, being that I’m kind of lazy. With club you have practice two-to-three times a week and games on Saturday and with high school it’s five days a week.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be?
Football. My dad always wanted me to play and I’ve never known if I would be good at it or not.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
Something math-related — maybe an engineer.

What is your favorite food?
McDonald’s french fries

Do you have any siblings?
I have a younger brother Jake, who is in 10th grade at Lakewood, and a younger sister Caitlin, who is in seventh grade at Haile Middle School.

Who is your biggest role model?
My dad. I act just like him. He’s just like me and I’m just like him.