This week's spotlight is on Marisa Rubano, a junior midfielder from Oakton High School, who has been making a significant impact on the field with her exceptional performances. Wearing jersey #3, Marisa has proven herself as both a dynamic player and a strong leader for her team.
Reflecting on her recent accomplishments, Marisa highlighted her performance in a critical game against Woodson, where she scored three goals and contributed two assists, totaling eight points for the week. “I think my biggest highlight of the week was scoring in the first 5 minutes of our game against Woodson,” Marisa shared, adding that this early goal “set the tone for the rest of the game” and helped Oakton secure a crucial victory over a tough opponent they had lost to in last year's state semi-final.
As a midfielder, Marisa plays a pivotal role in connecting the team’s defense and offense. “I believe I contributed to my team's success this week by being a strong leader on the field and strategically distributing the ball,” she explained. Her efforts in facilitating quick transitions and creating scoring opportunities were evident, particularly with the three goals she scored, including two from corner plays — a result of the team's hard work in practice.
Marisa attributes much of her motivation to the support she receives from her coaches and teammates. “My coaches are always challenging me to push my limits, while also encouraging me to believe in myself,” she said. Meanwhile, her teammates “constantly inspire me by their positivity and dedication to achieving our team’s goals.” This combination of guidance and camaraderie keeps her driven and committed to both her personal growth and the team’s success.
Handling pressure is another area where Marisa has shown remarkable growth. “To avoid feeling overwhelmed and nervous, I have developed multiple strategies,” she noted, including a pre-game ritual, team visualization exercises, and staying focused on the process rather than the outcome. These practices help her “stay present and reduce nerves in high-pressure situations.”
Looking forward, Marisa is focused on both her team’s and her own future goals. “Our team has some very big goals for this season, and we are willing to put in the work to make them come to life,” she stated. Personally, Marisa has set her sights on playing collegiate field hockey at a high-level academic institution, a dream she has been working towards for several years.
Beyond the field, Marisa cherishes the traditions and fun moments with her teammates, like the dance circle during warm-ups and a unique pre-game ritual under the bleachers. “My personal pregame ritual that I always look forward to is doing a Just Dance video underneath the bleachers with my teammates, Bailey Zimmerman and Kaylin White,” she said, highlighting how these fun activities help the team bond and get excited for their games.
Marisa expressed her gratitude to her team, saying, “I want to thank my teammates and coaches for teaching me about what it means to be committed, resilient, and to have grit.” She added, “Their unwavering support is what drives me to work harder and grow as not only a player but as a teammate.”
Congratulations to Marisa Rubano for being our Player of the Week! Her dedication, leadership, and outstanding performance continue to be a vital part of Oakton High School's field hockey team’s success.
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