November 02, 2024
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Sauk Valley

Q&A with McKenna Pearson

By Ty Reynolds

Sterling's McKenna Pearson plays three sports and is also the top student in the junior class. (Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com) (Philip Marruffo)

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Which of your three sports is your favorite?

I prefer basketball, because it’s a contact sport … at least more than volleyball or softball.

How do you fit everything in as a three-sport athlete who’s also at the top of her class academically?

It’s a lot of stress, but it’s all about controlling it. I make sure I have some time to rest and entertain myself outside sports and schools.


How do you
entertain yourself?

I hang with friends, or maybe go to the gym and shoot baskets. I’m really a gym rat.

Which are you prouder of: your third-place finish as part of the 2008 Sterling Little League team, or your sister Mya’s Little League World Series championship this past summer?

I’m proud of both, but I’m just really proud of my little sister. It felt great watching her win it all.

What was it like being back in Portland as a fan?

The perspective is so different. The atmosphere doesn’t feel quite the same, and seeing what it was like as a fan felt a lot different than being on the field. But I liked cheering on my sister just as much as playing there myself.

What’s your favorite part of playing different sports instead of focusing on one?

The new and different challenges each sport presents. The change in seasons and the different atmosphere each sport provides is a lot of motivation for me to do well at each one.

Favorite classes?

I’m a math and chemistry person. I just really like numbers.

Favorite meal?

I’ll pretty much eat anything, but I like potato and bacon soup the best because it’s got a little bit of everything in it. I live at Arthur’s; I eat there three times a week, and go there a lot during my open hours.

Would a reality show of your life be popular?

I think people would watch it. I witness a lot of people and situations and connect and interact with a lot of my classmates and schoolmates. I’m never bored.

Any hobbies?

My hobbies are sports. I enjoy them as much as I can now, have as much fun as I can, because I don’t plan to play in college.

College and career plans?

I want to be an anesthesiologist, because it involves math and chemistry and really meshes well with my interests. I know there’s 12 years of schooling for it, and I want to go to Creighton; I’m visiting the campus in Omaha on Veteran’s Day.