What is your name? Holly Zipperstein
How old are you? 29
What is your occupation(if applicable)? Senior Enterprise Risk Analyst
What grade are you in(if applicable)? If only. Thanks for making me feel old.
Where do you attend school(if applicable) See above
What sport(s) do you play? Weightlifting
Why did you first choose your sport? I loved the movements, the detail and precision required to master (still a work in progress) them.
Why do you continue to play your sport? I’m a glutton for punishment. Kidding, sort of. I do it to challenge myself, use it as an outlet for work/life stress, and to stay healthy and strong. I feel empowered by lifting from the strength, both physical and mental, it gives me.
If you could achieve anything you wished for in your sport, what would it be? Going 6/6 would be pretty sweet.
How important is achieving your sporting goals to you? I’m at more of a “finding balance” stage in my life. While they are important to me and I need them to maintain direction, they’re more of a tool for me now. If I don’t achieve them, I learn from them.
What is your favorite sports quote? “If riding were only blue ribbons and bright lights, I would have quit a long time ago.”-George Morris
What emotions do you feel when you play well? “I get all jacked up on Mountain Dew”-Talladega Nights. (Excitement & joy)
What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing? I don’t really listen to music when I compete. It would probably be “Medusa” by Dirty Heads if I did. Or something by Jackson Brown if I felt I needed to calm my nerves more.
What is your favorite movie about sports? The original Bad News Bears.
How does being an athlete make you a better person? Sports humble you, teach you compassion, teamwork, and accountability.
What is the one thing you always do after a good performance? Train harder.
What do you do to calm your butterflies while you compete? Breathe, concentrate, and envision the lift.
If you could play another sport what would it be? I’d love to return to my first sport, show jumping (equestrian). Or hockey if you’re referring to something I haven’t done before.
What age were you when you started your sport? 21
What is your favorite food to eat the night before a big competition? This is a trap. I’m usually cutting for meets…
Who inspired you as a young athlete? My equestrian trainer had a huge impact on who I am today.
What one word describes you? Assiduous
Who was your favorite coach and why? Dan. Because “Dan’s” are just the best.
What do you give up to play sports? I wouldn’t say I give up anything with the exception of leading up to a meet… Then I’d say ice cream. And salt.
What is your favorite place to compete? Anywhere the rest of the HWC team is.
What mental tool do you use under pressure? Breathing strategies
What is your favorite mantra? “You can do this. Breathe. Be Patient.”
Do you think attitude is a factor in winning? Absolutely
What image gets you ready to compete? I’m more of a word person.
How does being an athlete inspire you to do good? The feeling of accomplishment from succeeding drives and motivates you to do better.
How does athletics make you a better student or worker? There are so many ways… If I had to choose one, I’d say learning that failure is temporary. You can always recover and come back. Learn from it and do it again… but better.
