Northwest Herald co-Athletes of the Week: Huntley’s Kate Burkey and Carlie Weishaar

Names: Kate Burkey, jr., and Carlie Weishaar, jr.

School: Huntley

Sport: Girls tennis

Why they were selected: Burkey and Weishaar took second in doubles at the Class 2A Cary-Grove Sectional to qualify for the state tournament. At state, the Red Raiders duo won their opening match 6-2, 6-4, before losing in the second round 6-0, 6-0. Burkey and Weishaar ended their season when they lost their next match 6-4, 6-1 in the consolation bracket.

For their performance, Burkey and Weishaar were selected as the co-Northwest Herald Athletes of the Week in an online vote. Here is their Q&A with sports writer Alex Kantecki:

What will you remember most about this season?

Burkey: My grandma, who lives in Springfield, came up to watch almost all of my matches. She was one of our team’s biggest cheerleaders, which meant a lot to me.

Weishaar: Something I will remember most about this season is being with, hanging out with the team daily both at and outside of practice. I’m super close with the team, and seeing them every day is something I will always remember.

How did it feel to make the state tournament?

Burkey: It felt very rewarding to make it to the state tournament, especially because I am one of the few Red Raiders that have qualified twice for the tournament.

Weishaar: I felt super excited and happy making it to the state tournament, considering it was the first year I could qualify because I played No. 3 doubles last year. It was also exciting to win a match at the state tournament considering how good the competition is there.

What would be your dream job?

Burkey: A pediatrician.

Weishaar: A pediatrician because I want to be able to help and treat people, specifically kids.

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, who would it be?

Burkey: Jennifer Aniston. I love the TV show “Friends,” and she is one of my favorite actresses.

Weishaar: Zendaya because I have watched her since I was a kid, and she is one of my favorite actors.

What’s something funny that happened to you in competition this season?

Burkey: In the middle of a match, a ball bounced off of Carlie’s racket and hit me right in the face. It was even funnier because she didn’t even realize what happened!

Weishaar: Something funny that has happened to me in the competition this season is that my partner, Kate, almost got pooped on by a bird in the middle of a match.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Burkey: Pickleball, but I’m always loyal to tennis.

Weishaar: My hidden talent is that I’m good at baking.

What’s your go-to meal?

Burkey: Chipotle.

Weishaar: Chips and salsa.