Athlete profile: Allegra Hong

Allegra Hong is a Berkeley High School senior and captain of the BHS girls varsity soccer team. It was watching her mother play soccer at local fields that inspired Hong to start playing soccer herself in fourth grade. Growing up, Hong learned to be a leader through taking care of her siblings, “I’ve always kind of helped my mom raise my sisters because I don’t have my dad in the picture, that gave me the leadership qualities that I bring on the soccer field,” Hong said. Additionally, she shared that her natural competitiveness is a quality that helps her play aggressively and with intensity while on the field. However, being competitive can lead to Hong struggling emotionally in tough times. “It can feel like I’m over pressuring myself to be the best,” she said. Despite the high pressure, Hong loves to play with her team and leads by example with her strong work ethic. She pushes her teammates to the next level, while showing that she believes in them and supports them daily. For Hong, the most rewarding part of playing with the BHS girls varsity soccer team is experiencing success through building trust and putting in the work. Hong said, “The biggest improvement we’ve made is having each other’s backs regardless, and playing as a group instead of individuals trying to make something happen.”