Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1494048
24 SPORTY SPARTANS Whereas just being in one sport, it doesn't help you maximize all the capabilities of yourself as an athlete. And being able to go and unlock that potential by playing a different sport or even another, two sports, it's a big step from just playing the same sport year-round." —ZOE LOPEZ BICKETT'S BACK BICKETT'S BACK The Spartans were happy to have one of their best blue-liners back on the ice this season in junior defenseman Grace Bickett. She missed her sophomore season after tearing her right ACL, LCL and meniscus at the first soccer scrim- mage in the fall, keeping her out for 10 months. She still attended soccer and hockey prac- tices and games. "It was definitely a different role than I would have imagined," Bickett said. "But it helped me work on my leadership skills and my attitude off the ice and become a good leader off the ice." Bickett chose to be a soccer manager this fall. Hockey is her main sport that she hopes to play at a higher level after high school. She also hopes to join the golf team in the spring. With so many different sports, Bickett said she got good at using her feet, and that coordination transferred over to hockey. Being a forward in soccer also helped Bickett anticipate plays and become a more well-rounded defense- man on the ice. LOPEZ LEADS LOPEZ LEADS Sophomore hockey and soccer teammate Zoe Lopez—who's also on the track and field team— knows the many benefits of multiple sports. Lopez says she's in shape year-round, so her agility and strength don't fall off. "I'm able to compete where I left off, or even keep getting better," Lopez said. Lopez is one of the leading scorers for Orono girls' hockey, but she really stepped up for the soccer team this fall when they needed someone Photos / Frank Landis M H J ON L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 2 3 24 SPORTY SPARTANS Senior Celia Dahl is a defender in soccer, attacker in lacrosse, and one of the top goaltenders in the state of Minnesota. Dahl will play college hockey and lacrosse at Endicott College.