Senior Natalie Zaffiro is a two-sport standout athlete in Soccer and Lacrosse. We recently sat down with Nat to learn more about her time in a Middlesex uniform, as well as her life as a Zebra.
Q: At what age did you start playing Soccer/Lacrosse?
A: I started playing soccer at 4 years old for an in town team and I started playing lacrosse in 7th grade.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals? Pre-game meal?
A: If there’s enough time I go to Nashoba Brook Bakery and order a number four.
Q: Tell us about your goals for the MX Lacrosse team this season.
A: I want us to really become a unit and work together as a full team rather than individuals playing offense and defense. I also want us to enjoy playing lacrosse and enjoy being together because teams, especially at Middlesex, are really special and the MX lacrosse team has something pretty special this year.
Q: Besides athletics, what are some of the other activities with which you are involved at Middlesex?
A: I’m a peer supporter and have been to Artemis a few times, but I spend a lot of my time participating in sports.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a Middlesex Zebra?
A: There are a lot of moments that come to mind but one that stands out is when the soccer team beat Exeter my junior year. We had been struggling to get some wins even though we were a very skilled team and we were finally able to pull off a nice team win, coming back from a two goal deficit to win it 3-2. I remember scoring the final goal with a beautiful ball from Shannon Ryan and at the end of the game everyone was crying because we were all so happy. It was really inspiring to be a part of something like that where the players and coaches cared so much.
Q: What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A: Approachable, giving, and empathetic
Q: How do you think your teammates would describe you?
A: I think they would say I’m a good leader and motivator and a nice person to be around.
Q: Whom do you most admire?
A: Sarah Cohane
Q: What is the best advice that you have received from a member of the Middlesex community?
A: Kojo once told me to take two hours after the loss of a game and think about it, get pissed about it, be sad about it and then once those two hours are over, all your focus should be on the next practice and the next game.
Q: If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
A: Tom Brady because he’s Tom.
Q: Can you tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
A: Some people may know this but I danced for 9 years growing up but had to quit because of basketball on Saturdays.
Q: What is your go-to lunch in the dining hall?
A: Either a peanut butter and jelly or a Caesar salad wrap. It really depends on the day.
Q: If you auditioned for American Idol, which song would you choose?
A: I’m an awful singer but I would chose Fighter by Christina Aguilera
Q: What advice would you give to a new student at Middlesex?
A: Have fun. Don’t get too stressed about work or sports because you’re young and in the grand scheme of life, a test does not matter. What matters is the time you spent at Middlesex with the people you spent it with and the memories you made here because that’s what will last a lifetime.
Q: Without thinking too much, what is your favorite:
Song: right now it’s Shut Up and Dance
Class at Middlesex: Psychology with Sarah Cohane
Professional Sports Team: Patriots
Athlete: Tom Brady
Food: Pasta
T.V. Show: Parks and Rec
Movie: She’s the Man
Book: The Giving Tree
Color: Blue
Board Game: Monopoly
Quote: “I’m not alright, you’re not alright, and that’s alright” – Anonymous
Either/Or:
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Black and White or Color? Color
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Comedy or Mystery? Comedy
Crushed Ice or Cubed Ice? Cubed
Pancakes or Waffles? Both
Pen or Pencil? Pencil
Orange Juice: pulp or no pulp? No pulp
Beach or Pool? Beach
Cooler Ranch or Nacho Cheese Doritos? Cool Ranch
Math or English? Math
Laser Tag or Paintball? Paintball