Meet Winfield-Mount Union senior Melina Oepping, the high school athlete of the week
Melina Oepping is a relatively quiet, easygoing person away from sports, one who loves to read and study.
But put her on a basketball or volleyball court and watch her competitive spirit bubble to the surface.
Oepping, a senior at Winfield-Mount Union High School, a first team All-SEI Superconference North Division hitter in volleyball, is off to a rousing start in basketball under first-year coach Mendy McCreight.
Oepping scored 11 points, yanked down 12 rebounds, pilfered 11 steals and dished out two assists in the Wolves' season-opening 54.24 win over New London.
Oepping, a 5-foot-10 forward, followed that up by scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds in a 57-33 victory over Central Lee.
Oepping, who averaged 7.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.4 steals last season, is part of a senior class at Winfield-Mount Union which has high hopes this season.
The Hawk Eye recently caught up with Oepping, The Hawk Eye's High School Athlete of the Week, to learn a little more about her.
What is your favorite sport besides basketball?
"Volleyball."
What is it that you like about basketball?
"The competition and the quickness of the game."
What is your best memory in basketball?
"Winning conference sophomore year."
How do you and your teammates make practice fun?
"Always joke around and dance."
Do you have any pregame or gameday routines and what are they?
"Nope."
Who is the funniest person on the team?
"Most of them are funny, but probably Keely Malone."
Who is your biggest role model and why?
"My mom because she’s always involved and always is there for me when I need her."
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
"Chemistry because I had a really good teacher and I just like the content of the class."
What is your favorite meal?
"White chicken enchiladas."
What is your favorite TV show?
"Love Island."
If you won the lottery, what would your first purchase be and why?
"I would pay for my college and if there was some left I would save it to buy my dream house."
What do you enjoy doing in your free time and why?
"I enjoy reading books because it allows me to relax and forget about my responsibilities."
What is your favorite motivational slogan or quote?
“You can’t control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out.”
What are your future plans for college and career?
"Attend college for nursing and hopefully get my BSN."
What is something about yourself that would surprise people?
"That I’m loud around my friends."
Matt Levins is a sports reporter for the USA Today Network in Burlington, Iowa, who has covered local sports for 32 years at The Hawk Eye. Reach him at mlevins@thehawkeye.com.
This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: Meet Winfield-Mount Union senior Melina Oepping, the high school athlete of the week
