
ALTON - Isabel (Izzi) Grace Hough, a junior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for soccer, a sport she says has shaped her growth on and off the field.
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Hough said she began playing through Park and Rec in kindergarten and continued when Alton Irish began when she was in second grade. She said she has played club soccer since and is now with SLSG. In the classroom, Hough said she is a member of NHS, the National Honor Society, and has maintained a 4.0 GPA at Marquette.
“My favorite thing is the people I have met and all the memories I have traveling with my best friends,” Hough said.
Isabel is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of The Month.
She credited her parents for their support and time spent helping her pursue the sport.
“I thank my parents for putting in countless hours to bring me to practices and games," she said. "But mainly for always supporting me,” she said, adding that she is “also grateful for all my amazing coaches and teammates.”
Isabel's Marquette Catholic girls soccer coach is Brian Hoener, who is also the school's athletic director. He coaches both girls and boys soccer at Marquette.
Hough said her high school experience in sports has helped her develop key skills.
“Playing on a team has taught me teamwork, discipline, and leadership,” she said. “It’s also taught me how to handle the losses and celebrate the wins.”
Isabel also plays varsity tennis.
Looking ahead, Hough said she plans to play soccer in college and is currently in the recruitment process. She said she hopes to make a decision by early fall and that her current academic plan is to major in sports management and potentially pre-law.
Away from sports, Hough said she enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending sporting events.
“Playing soccer at Marquette is one of my favorite things about high school,” she said. “I have made so many good memories and am excited about what else is ahead for us."