Shawnee’s Anna Parrilla
By Rose Hutchins
Anna Parrilla has been a part of Shawnee soccer since her 7th grade year. Now a senior, she is known not only for her skill on the field, but for her optimistic attitude, determination, and her ability to be a leader for her teammates who look up to her for guidance.
Parrilla recognizes her teammates as her biggest source of inspiration. Each year, when new players join the team, she loves the opportunity to connect with them while continuing to learn and teach the game she loves.
“Every single one of them motivates me to show up every day,” Parrilla says.
For Parrilla and her team, nothing compares to facing Del City, Shawnee’s biggest rival. These high energy matchups create bonding memories that she’ll cherish forever with her coaches and teammates.
A very impactful influence throughout her high school journey is her longtime teacher, Andrew McCune, who taught Parrilla both in 7th grade and again during her senior year. Over the years, his encouragement and consistency pushing his students to be the best version of themselves has made a major impact on Parrilla.
“He has helped me a lot with never giving up,” Parrilla shares.
Parrilla’s journey has required more than physical strength, but also a resilient mindset. She has learned the importance of positive self-talk, discipline, and patience. Her growth truly showed when being named team captain her junior year. An accomplishment she worked hard to achieve as she proudly leads her team forward.
Outside of soccer, Parrilla has been an active member of mixed choir, FCCLA, and Cross Country. She balances it all with good time management and prioritizing her schoolwork. Parilla loves setting a good example both on and off the field for younger girls looking to pursue a sport. She offers some powerful advice to them.
“Everyone has bad moments and bad days, but those moments will never define you as a person. Even when it’s hard, always keep a positive mindset towards yourself,” Parrilla shares.
Representing the Shawnee Wolves means everything to Parrilla. Her goal is to change the negative reputation about her school by showing that Shawnee is kind, compassionate, and competitive. After graduation, Parrilla plans to pursue a major in fashion marketing at the collegiate level. She also hopes to move to a big city and chase her dreams with the same heart she left on the soccer field.
