Student-Athlete of the Week: Jamesville-Dewitt's Merris Kessler
DEWITT, N.Y. (WSYR) — With almost 200 goals, Merris Kessler is carrying on her family name at J-D. Her dad and two older siblings all playing in college.
'It definitely motivated me because we we're like a very competitive family. So, like, I'd always push myself to be as good or if not better than them,' said J-D Senior Merris Kessler.
Now a senior, being a leader on the team is something that she has stepped into easily.
'Well, since I got pulled up as a freshman, the seniors and the upperclassmen definitely helped guide me to be confident and comfortable in my role and our team chemistry on the field is just really great. So I know I can do whatever I want and my team will back me up,' said Kessler.
Merris has led the Red Rams in goals every season since she was a freshman.
'Merris is a big part of our offense. We run a lot of plays through her, but she's best when she's like re-defending and re-attacking on our ride and she never gives up on the play and always gets the ball back for us on offense,' said J-D Senior Sadie Withers.
''I think everyone plays a really big role. I try to be like the voice echoing plays, telling people where to go if they don't know, and just like giving everyone the confidence to take it to the goal pass, do whatever they have to do,' said Kessler.
Having fun while sitting at 11 and two this season, playing together is the most important part.
'I think a lot of us have been playing together for a really long time, and there are some new underclassmen, but they are just, like, so energetic and fun to be around. So it makes you coming to practice and games really fun and everyone wants to work hard for each other,' said Kessler.
Congratulations Merris! You are the Byrne Dairy and Deli NewsChannel 9 Student-Athlete of the Week.
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