By: Erin Watts
Hardworking. Energetic. Thoughtful. Megan Becker and Lucy Unal are easily deserving of those words. Becker, a senior, is the captain of the Senators’ volleyball team, playing as a setter and a right-side hitter. Unal, a junior, is the leading lady in the upcoming school play, “Puffs,” playing as Wayne Hopkins. These two rays of sunshine brighten the moods of anyone and everyone around them. Interviewing Megan and Lucy allowed me to see different sides of them. Let’s see just how different (or how similar) athletes and artists really are.
Megan Becker
What role do you play?
M: I am a setter, right side hitter and the Speaking Captain. I also sway the energy and keep everyone in the right mindset.
Are You involved in any other activities?
M: I am! I’ve been a Student Council Representative for three years and an officer for one, NHS, Be a Senator and Spanish Club.
What’s your favorite color?
M: Blue! I love me some Blue.
What are your other hobbies?
M: So, I love playing literally any sports– any physical activity, watching college sports and I like playing piano.
How long have you been doing your activity?
M: Since I was seven or eight; I started in Ambush volleyball.
On average, how long is your practice/rehearsal each night?
M: For school, about one and a half hours. When I played club, it was about two hours.
What is your favorite part of your activity?
M: I love the competitive atmosphere. I thrive and love the energy. I also love building relationships with the coaches and players.
Why do you play/act?
M: It’s an escape for me. All I think about is volleyball, not the stress of school or anything else. I just think of the next play, who I’m setting next. And, again, the relationships I have with people from different schools or different grades. Volleyball is my home.
How do you prepare before a big performance/ game? Mentally or Physically?
M: Stretching. I used to visualize before games. Snapping, or setting.
Who is your role model and why?
M: Joe Burrow. He was a second or third string quarterback. He realized his worth and changed schools. He created a national winning team. He even went to the Super Bowl last year. He lost everything and then got it all back. He had a great attitude.
Lucy Unal
What role do you play?
L: I play Wayne Hopkins, a not-so-successful Harry Potter. His parents were killed and he moved in with his uncle in the U.S. He received his letter. Thinking he was special, he did all he could to be noticed. Until he found himself in the ‘Puffs’ group, not very special. He has many parallels with Harry Potter.
Are you involved in any other activities?
L: I am the Vice President of French Club, in Model UN, in Scarlett Harmony and In Session.
What’s your favorite color?
L: My favorite color is…probably light pink because it reminds me of Barbie, whom I still idolize to this day.
What are your other hobbies?
L: I like watching British television, like mysteries, listening to music. What else do I like? I like hanging out with Erin. Oh, and I like reading romance books.
How long have you been doing your activity?
L: I’ve been doing theater since I was eight. My sister, Rose, and I went to Hoogland’s production of “Tarzan” in third grade. After, Rose signed up for the next year’s production so I copied her, which ended up being the best decision of my life. I have done productions everywhere in Springfield. Actually, in preschool, we put on a production of “The Nutcracker” and that was my introduction to performing.
On average, how long is your practice/ rehearsal each night?
L: Well, on average, about two hours, a few times a week.
What is your favorite part of your activity?
L: Kind of everything. Once you get there, the people are so great. After meeting everyone and acting together for a while,it seems as if you’ve known each other for years. I love pretending to be a different person, or living in a fantasy world. Kids even come and take pictures with me. I had never experienced that feeling before. All in all, I think everyone should do theater– it gives you such a confidence and you form so many friendships. This is just…my thing!
Why do you play/act?
L: ‘Cause I love it. It’s kind of that simple. I don’t think my love for it will ever go away.
How do you prepare before a big performance/game? Mentally or Physically?
L: Umm. I don’t. If I am not in the beginning scene of a musical, I use the quiet time with the overture music playing in the background to focus and tell myself “You can do this.” Otherwise, I don’t really worry about it. It’s community theater, no one notices or cares as much as you think. I just get excited!
Who is your role model and why?
L: I’d say my grandpa. He always had this love about him. No matter what you did, you always knew you were loved and appreciated. Even though he’s gone, I still talk with him and feel him. His sense of loyalty I admire. He was also a really good belly dancer, my icon. He called us his “tweeties,” his way of calling us “sweeties.” Anything I have theater-related, I think I got from him.
After interviewing these two lovely ladies, my respect for athletes and artists alike has grown exponentially. As an athlete myself, I understand the work, time and effort goes into athletics. Most athletes arrogantly disregard other activities and the time and work performers put into their shows. Curiously, I wanted to see both perspectives. Spending hours and hours each week dedicated to their teams and cast members, Lucy and Megan always put forth their best efforts and put on a show for their “fans.” Both were absolutely a joy to interview and have such an easy-going air about them. Megan Becker and Lucy Unal both have such unique personalities deserving of appreciation and support.
Photo credits:
photo map picture courtesy of The Sports Column
Megan Becker photos 1-3 courtesy of Erin Watts
Megan Becker photo 4 courtesy of Megan Becker’s mom
Lucy Unal photos 1-3 courtesy of cast member’s parent
Lucy Unal photo 4 courtesy of Erin Watts
The Senator Newspaper 