Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Reagan Volkert

Age has been no obstacle for Reagan Volkert on the field. As a seventh grader, the forward has scored at will for Sarasota Christian girls soccer. The Blazers stand at 10-5-1 this season, as of Jan. 19, and are buoyed by her team-high 14 goals in 13 games played. She's found the net often lately with eight goals this month alone. Volkert is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing soccer?

I have always enjoyed playing soccer growing up. I started playing soccer on recess with one of my best friends, Brynley, in first grade. I really wanted to join a team, but the school I was going to at the time did not offer it, and a club team wasn't an option for my family at the time. I played soccer on recess with Brynley for first and second grade, then in third grade she left the school, and I stopped playing after that. It wasn't until this year that we joined Sarasota Christian School that I actually began playing soccer as an official sport.

Is there a highlight or special moment of your career that you've never forgotten?

My first game that I played this year is definitely a game I will not forget. I remember I was so scared when my coach (Armand Dikranian) put me out on the field, because I had never played before, and I really had no idea what I was doing. In fact, that same night while we were warming up for the game is when I found out how to kick a ball properly. I went on the field and I made my first goal. It wasn't until then I actually realized how fun soccer was going to be for me.

How would you describe your strengths as a player to someone who hasn't seen you in action?

My strong qualities in the game of soccer are my speed and my drive to win the game.

You've made a big impact with the Blazers as a seventh grader, what do you attribute that success to?

I would attribute my success first and foremost to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He has given me the ability to do anything through him, and secondly, I would give attention to my coach and teammates who have definitely helped me along the way.

What were your goals entering this season with Sarasota Christian?

Entering the season, I didn't have any true goals set for myself, but obviously I wanted to have a winning record. Once I scored my first few goals, I set a goal for myself to get to 10 goals for the season. When I hit that, I set a new goal to reach 15 goals and I have one more to go.

Do you have dreams for what you want to accomplish in your high school soccer career?

I would love for our SCS soccer program to be able to compete in the highest level of high school athletics, and for us to ultimately win a state championship.

When you're not playing soccer, how do you spend your free time?

Aside from soccer and school, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, playing sports like golf with my dad (BJ Volkert) and reading action novels.

What's one quote or piece of advice that you've always carried with you?

Philippians 4:13, which says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It basically means to me that whatever God has in his will for me, I can do it.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

I enjoy watching the Savannah Bananas and I would love to meet them. I think they are great for entertainment and I love how outspoken they are about their faith.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I would love to go and visit Australia to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. I enjoy the beach so much and I think I'd have a great time. 

What is your favorite meal?

I love my dad's smash burgers and pretty much any of my mom's (Tianna Volkert's) meals, specifically her chicken Alfredo.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

I love watching the "Hunger Games" series and my favorite TV show is Percy Jackson.

What music would you choose to get hyped up before a game?

I love listening to songs by Forrest Frank, specifically one named "UP" by him and Connor Price.

Finish this sentence. Reagan Volkert is...

A daughter, sister and athlete who loves Jesus, music and sports.