SHS Soccer Player Susan O'Loughlin is This Week's Whiz Kid

Stoneham Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

• Susan O’Loughlin, 17
• Accomplishment: O’Loughlin has been a major part of the lady Spartans' success this year, tallying six goals and seven assists in 17 games played.

Key to Awesomeness: O’Loughlin helped the Spartans to their first Middlesex League title in school history by being a force at forward throughout the year.

“My biggest strength on the field is definitely my speed up front,” O’Loughlin said. “My speed has always given me the advantage over most players because I am able to win a foot race to the ball or fly by them to the net.”

O’Loughlin has been successful ever since she stepped foot onto the field for Stoneham High coach Sharon Chapman’s squad and attributes her success to her coach and her family.

“I attribute my successes to the support of my loving family and my dedicated coach,” O’Loughlin said. “I’ve worked hard all four years to push myself and excel on the varsity team.”

O’Loughlin mentioned that the team won the Middlesex League title, but really wants to make a run in the State tournament as well.

“We have been very successful all year and just won the Middlesex League, but we are also looking forward to the tournament and hoping to win all the games we need to,” O’Loughlin said.

While O’Loughlin has many strengths on the field, there are some parts of her game that she would like to work on.

“I would like to improve on the accuracy of my shooting and I would also like to keep the opposing teams’ defense on their toes,” O’Loughlin said.

Before each game spectators can find O’Loughlin listening to her iPod.

“It clears my mind and lets me only focus on the game,” O’Loughlin said.