Suburban Life Athlete of the Week: Maya Hollendoner, Lemont, softball, sophomore

Name: Maya Hollendoner

School: Lemont, sophomore

Sport: Softball

Why she was selected: Hollendoner went 4-for-4 with a homer and two runs scored in the sectional semifinal win over Joliet Catholic and 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs in a sectional final win over Ottawa. She was selected the Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is her Q&A with Joshua Welge.

Welge: How does it feel to go back to state? Different feeling than last year?

Hollendoner: It feels great. That has been our team goal since we won last year. I feel that as a team we are more confident and prepared. Our team is excited to try to achieve something very difficult in winning back-to-back state championships.

Welge: You seem to be swinging a hot bat lately. What’s been the key to your success?

Hollendoner: Before I used to lack confidence, but once I started to hit, it makes a player greedy and only want more which is what I’m doing.

Welge: Your state championship medal from last year, where do you have it now?

Hollendoner: I keep the medal hanging up in my room.

Welge: Have you played any other sports?

Hollendoner: I used to play basketball but decided to concentrate on softball about seventh grade.

Welge: Do you have any softball routines or superstitions?

Hollendoner: The only real routine is to listen to some of my favorite music to help me get ready mentally to play. I also do some affirmations my mom printed for me to help with my confidence and to have the same energy drink before every game.

Welge: Is there a sports team or athlete you’re a fan of?

Hollendoner: I have always been a Cubs fan and I love watching Mike Trout and Javy Baez.

Welge: What’s the last TV show you binged or a favorite TV show in general?

Hollendoner: I love watching “Outer Banks.”

Welge: What’s your favorite meal?

Hollendoner: Favorite meal is chicken and asparagus and shrimp.

Welge: Do you have any pets?

Hollendoner: I have three dogs: Mocha, Bella and Coco.

Welge: Where would you go for your next summer vacation if you had a choice?

Hollendoner: I want to go to Cancun, Mexico.