Get to know Weston Wildcats athlete Annie Dong
WESTON, Mass. — Annie Dong’s athletic journey started from an early age, playing soccer since the age of five and lacrosse since 7th grade. Over the years, Annie developed exceptional field IQ, allowing her to anticipate her opponents’ moves. She uses this IQ and her speed, honed during track season, to intercept plays as a defender on both teams.
Annie’s soccer journey began with the Concord town team and continued with FC Stars until her sophomore year. Currently, Annie plays a pivotal role as a starting defensive midfielder and as co-captain of Weston High School’s (WHS) Girls Varsity Soccer team, which won the DCL Championship in Annie’s sophomore year.
In addition, Annie is a co-captain of the WHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse team. During Annie’s sophomore and junior years, the team reached the Final 4, with Annie earning the title of DCL All-Star in her junior year.
To stay in peak soccer condition, Annie joined the indoor track team during her freshman year. Annie contributed to the team winning the MIAA D5 State Championship and MSTCA D5 Relay Meet during her sophomore and junior years by running the 4 x 400 relay.
Annie’s adaptability and willingness to play diverse roles across different sports – whether it’s left-back defense in soccer, midfield in lacrosse or various track events – make her an indispensable asset to her teams. “I have no problem being put anywhere on the field or in any race or event,” states Annie. Annie’s speed and physicality further enhance her contributions to her teams.
Congrats, Annie!
Interview with Annie:
What are your personal goals within your sports/athletic dreams?
Annie Dong: To be a leader who helps my teams find success, hopefully winning titles, including state championships.
What do you love about your sports?
Dong: All of my sports are team sports, even indoor track. The culture and chemistry makes the teams like a family. I also love the thought that goes into the various plays for soccer and lacrosse. Every play, setup, or defensive block has been practiced a hundred times.
What is your biggest challenge in your sports, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Dong: I struggle to not get down when losing in a game or trailing behind someone in a race. But as a leader, I have to think positively and tell myself and my team to stay in it and keep fighting.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Dong: A coach from my club team told me to work hard for yourself, but most importantly for your team. Sometimes, I can be very hard on myself when I make mistakes, but I know that could affect the team. Therefore, I work hard to get myself back up and fix my mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s just about what you do next to fix them.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Dong: Once while competing, I did not step to a ball that was passed to me. As a result, someone from the other team stepped in front of me and took the ball. I overcame it by chasing her down and fighting hard to win the ball back. This mistake made me realize to always be ready for the ball and to check your shoulder.
What do you like to do outside of your sports?
Dong: I love spending time with my friends and family as I like constantly being surrounded by the people I love. I have a leadership position in many areas of my life so when I am not doing sports, I am most likely planning or organizing an event, fundraiser, or team bonding event. I also enjoy painting and drawing.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Dong: Trust your teammates to do their job. The people on your team are there to help you and be there for you.
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