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Ani Vinz, an eighth grade student currently in her first year enrolled as a Potter’s School student, took up soccer at the age of seven, shortly after moving to the state of Michigan from Germany. Despite living for several years in Europe, a region generally considered much more fanatical about “football” than the United States, Ani nonetheless did not take up soccer until she moved to Michigan. She explained, “Well, the town [in Michigan] I live in is very sports oriented… There were a few coaches when I moved over from Germany who said I had ‘natural talent’. That was about five to six years ago, and I’ve been playing ever since.”

Ani plays as a center midfielder on her soccer team, a position which, in general, requires her continued presence on both the offensive and defensive sides of the field. She commented, “It’s in the middle of all the action… usually… As far as I’m concerned that’s the best place to be on the soccer field.”

Her team participates in two tournaments annually. This year they have already played in the Marquette Superior Dome Tournament, finishing third, and will play in the Petoskey Tournament later in the year. Commenting upon the latter, Ani noted, “We don’t usually do very well in this tournament because the competition is pretty tough, but it’s still fun.”

Besides soccer Ani has competed in several other athletic activities. Although a sprinter by preference, she ran cross-country for two years since Michigan does not allow homeschoolers to run on high school track teams. Additionally, she used to play competitive softball as well. On a more casual basis Ani also enjoys skiing and ice-skating.

When asked what role God has in her athletic endeavors, Ani replied, “God plays a role in my sports by helping me witness to my non-believing teammates. There have been a few that have come up to me and have asked me why I'm different and why I choose to be that way. And, that gives me a great chance to tell them about the gospel and be a friend.”

 

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