XI with… Cadence Field

Welcome to XI with… where I ask the same 11 questions to high school soccer players from across the state. Today it’s XI with… Cadence Field of Blair.

*The following has been edited for clarity.*

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1. Of course, in Nebraska, we have all sorts of weather in the spring. Do you have a least favorite element to play in, whether that’s rain, snow or wind?

For me, I feel like it’s a sleety snow or definitely earlier in the season. I played when I was younger in St. Louis in this weather. The visibility was terrible, fields were slippery, it was just not fun. 

2. Outside of soccer, what’s something you’ve gotten way too competitive about?

Pickleball with my family for sure. Losing does not sit well in that game because I never hear the end of it. We play family game nights, and we play games from cards to board games to dominoes. All of those for sure get heated. 

When you play pickleball, do you play singles or doubles? And which one are you better at? 

We play both. I usually, just recently, actually, two days ago, I think. Me and my dad played singles versus each other, and obviously I won. But I feel like I’m better at singles because I can run a little bit more. and don’t have to rely on the other person to hold up their end. 

3. What usually is a good indicator that it’s going to be a good night for you?

Probably being able to get a good run down the field and getting a shot or a cross off in the first couple of minutes. That’s definitely a good sign.

4. What’s something you do differently than most people?

I know I eat a ton of vegetables, mostly carrots and celery. I have them at least three times a day, if not more.

Is that because you had great parents who made you eat vegetables when you were younger, or why the veggie fascination?

I mean, it’s actually more so recently, these last couple of years. My parents just bought them, and we have this Marzetti ranch dip that goes with it. It’s so good. It’s my favorite snack.

5. What’s just a player team you actually got your way to watch, and what do you like about them?

This isn’t necessarily a team specifically, but ever since I was younger, me and my mom, we would go to state. I would get pulled out of school and to get to go watch state soccer, both boys and girls, the whole entire day. It was so much fun. It’s just so fun to watch too, because it’s such good soccer.

To have been able to play in that last year, what was that like to grow up going and watching that and then actually be able to live it last year?

It’s incredible, crazy for sure. I didn’t get to watch the first game, but that’s all right. We did end up staying to watch the Norris game and the one after that. But no, I prefer playing in it, that’s for sure. 

6. What’s something special about high school soccer in Nebraska that people outside of the state wouldn’t expect?

I mean, with us being able to go to state last year and getting to experience being at Morrison in the field, in the facility, and just the atmosphere there, it was awesome. That’s definitely something, if you aren’t in Nebraska, you definitely would not understand. 

7. What’s a game or moment from your time playing soccer that you’re probably going to remember for a long, long time?

This past winter, I got to play in an ECNL national selection game to represent my club team. Being able to score a goal in that, and then my club teammates are on the sideline because it’s like a whole mix of different teams from everywhere; that’s who I’m playing with. And being able to score and then go celebrate with my team on the sideline, just incredible. Best feeling ever. 

8. Over the last couple of years, what’s something you’ve changed your mind about?

Definitely vegetables, but also, obviously, I love to compete in any sport. But definitely these past couple of years, I know now my passion is in soccer, and I know that’s what I want to play in college and pursue. 

9. Typically, with these all spring long, we’ll be asking 11 questions. Nine of them will be exactly the same. One of them I picked specifically for you. Did you expect to have the sort of season you had as a freshman last year, and how do you follow that up this year? 

I mean, I kind of expected it. I didn’t expect it to be like super good, but I know what I’m capable of and know how to play soccer, and I definitely expected what happened last year, kind of myself. Now I feel maybe a little bit more pressure this year because I had a decent season last year. If I can embrace the pressure and stay calm in the games, I mean, Lincoln Northwest, that was a good game to start with, I would say, in getting a little of the nerves for the rest of the season out, definitely helps, and just excited for the rest of the season. It should be good. 

10. What is the best school lunch that Blair has to offer?

I’ve only had hot lunch a couple of times. Otherwise, I’d bring my lunch from home. But I think our nachos are pretty good. Or we have, like, mac sticks. I do like those. They’re kind of like breadsticks with marinara sauce-ish. But I feel like those and nachos are probably the best. 

11. Finally, this is what I call the pass-along question. This one comes from Ansley Throener of Lincoln Southwest, and she wants to know, what’s your favorite goal you have scored?

Ansley, good to see her on here, one of my club teammates. I already mentioned the one from this winter, but last year, freshman year, getting to score the first goal against Gretna East. It was amazing because they’re one of the top teams in the state, and being able to put us up 1-0 the first time we played them was really good. Left foot, side netting, just great.

Next week’s XI with… on the girl’s side is with Vanna Reitsma of Bellevue West. What’s the question you have for her?

Does she have any pregame superstitions or something she does before every single game?

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I want to thank all of you for checking out the latest edition of XI with… Be sure to check out our online store and buy some “Chasing Morrison.” merch, and give us a follow on social media. I don’t know if I’ll be at any games tonight, but I have some big plans for later in the week. Until next time, I’ll be back with you on Thursday for XI with… David Arciga of Schuyler.