From the Sidelines: Tyler Lee’s Ariel Hekier

Published 11:15 pm Friday, April 3, 2020

With spring sports currently suspended, the Tyler Morning Telegraph wants to profile East Texas seniors in those sports in a feature called “From the Sidelines”. If you’re an East Texas senior who competes in a spring sport and would like to be featured, fill out the following questionnaire and send it to sports@tylerpaper.com, along with a photo. Today’s featured female athlete is Tyler Lee’s Ariel Hekier.

———

Name: Ariel Hekier

School: Robert E. Lee High School

Parents: Ron Hekier and Rachael Keilin

Sister: Adina Hekier (16)

Sport: Soccer

Favorite high school sports memory: Beating Rockwall-Heath in overtime at home senior year

Plans after high school: Attend Duke University and major in something math-related

Favorite song: “Edge of Desire” by John Mayer

Favorite food: Pickles

Favorite TV Show: “New Girl”

Favorite movie: All “Harry Potter” movies

Role models: My parents, Mallory Pugh and Sydney Leroux

Coaches with the most influence: Coach Woodard has influenced me immensely because we share the same competitive attitude, he never lets me give up and he has helped me overcome adversity in many situations over the past three years. Sara Hernandez has also influenced me greatly because she has always been there for me and my teammates and helps us be better people both on and off the field.

Favorite Teacher: Josh Loeffler (AP Stats)

Where do I see myself in 10 years?: I see myself doing data analysis for a company in a bigger city, hopefully traveling a lot with my friends and family and working out a lot to maintain the level of fitness that varsity sports have helped me reach in high school.

Something about me that most people don’t know: I’m left-handed and left-footed.

What will I miss most about high school sports?: Playing under the lights at home in front of our family and friends and the adrenaline rush you get from it.