Inglemoor duo favors knitting, photography along with soccer

Amber Givens didn't have to wait long to score this season — and the Inglemoor High senior forward couldn't contain her enthusiasm when discussing the big moment after last Tuesday's practice.

"Last year, I had to wait all season to score a goal in our last game," said Givens, who netted two goals and had one assist in the Vikings' recent 4-1 win over Lake Washington. "I went, 'Yes! I just doubled my goal output from last year.'"

Senior goalkeeper Amy Hammerquist feels she's making her mark early this season, as well. Coach Bryan McNiel said his keeper — who shares net duties with senior Erin Bankaitis — was the Vikings' player of the match in a loss to Bothell.

"A goalkeeper is supposed to be loud, and I think I'm a lot more vocal this year," said Hammerquist as Givens nodded her head in approval.

Hammerquist also has to bring her "A" game as tuba player and section leader when the Inglemoor band takes the field for home contests at Pop Keeney Stadium. She says the tuba weighs heavy on her left shoulder when the Viks march, but the soreness doesn't bother her much.

"I think it's exciting," she said of the band's performances.

"As section leader, I've got to make sure everyone looks OK."

Givens and Hammerquist lead a group of eight returning seniors on this year's squad, which was 1-2-0 at press time. The Vikings will next travel to Issaquah for a 7:30 p.m. match tomorrow.

"This year, we're more focused and I think we have a stronger team in general and skills-wise," said Givens, who teams up with Hammerquist on their Crossfire Premier Soccer squad, as well.

Both girls are six-course International Baccalaureate (IB) honors students, Hammerquist knits teddy bears for those affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa and Givens volunteers with Earth Corps and Evergreen Hospital's Boothe Gardener Parkinson's Center in addition to shooting pictures for the school yearbook.

"With IB, there's a lot of homework, but I want to be challenged," said Givens, who was all-out focused on soccer until she blew out her knee in ninth grade. "It made me refocus on school. That's something that can't be ripped away from you."

Givens noted that she enjoys the many activities in her life, and tries hard at everything, including soccer.

"Sometimes, I try to do too much," Givens laughs, adding a soccer analogy to describe her packed schedule: "With the team, everyone says, 'I wanna score,' but you need to realize you can't do it yourself — you need your team."

Hammerquist also likes to keep busy, whether it's with band, Crossfire and, of course, her goalkeeping role with the Vikings.

"If I wasn't doing these things, I'd be sitting around all day watching TV. I might as well do something good," Hammerquist said.

Contact Bothell Reporter Editor Andy Nystrom at editor@bothell-reporter.com or 425-483-3732, ext. 5050.

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