Get to know Anthony Koza, the Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week

Playing two games in two days is never easy. It's even more difficult when the games are in two different sports.

But that wasn't a problem for Marysville's Anthony Koza, who was voted Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week on Thursday.

In boys soccer, the goalie made 17 saves during the Vikings' 2-0 win over Port Huron Northern on Sept. 15. In football, the placekicker recovered a fumble during the Vikings' 38-24 victory over Madison Heights Lamphere on Sept. 16.

The Times Herald recently caught up with Koza to learn more about him.

Times Herald: How long have you been playing soccer?

Anthony Koza: As long as I can remember honestly. I've been playing soccer since I was a little kid. But last year is when I switched over to play goalie.

TH: What makes you such a talented player?

Koza: There's a really good goalie coach — his name is Keith Jarema — that offers a lot of winter programs and summer camps that I went to. He's helped me a lot to train my body to react certain ways to different shots. And then just having my parents there to support and help guide me. All of my other coaches have taught me the things I need to know over my years playing.

TH: Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Koza: My favorite athlete is probably Ja Morant. It's just so cool to see such a young guy with such an insane vertical and slashing-type play. He's just awesome to watch.

TH: What's something you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

Koza: I like to chill with my family and friends a lot, go swimming or go play basketball at the park. Pretty much anything, it doesn't matter. As long as I have something to do, I'm fine. I'm very spontaneous, I guess you could say.

TH: What goal do you have for the rest of the season?

Koza: For soccer season, I really want to be able to win our district and our league. That's my main goal right now. (For football) I want to improve on my skills. Your first year kicking is kind of rough because it's a whole new concept to everything. So my goal is to basically to learn, improve and help the team as best as possible.

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Get to know Anthony Koza, the Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week