Junior forward Iris Cheng is the definition of a hard-working, dedicated student-athlete. Her ability to excel in both the classroom and on the ice is a part of what makes her an inspiration to others.
After her spectacular 2023-2024 season where her team, Mission Hockey, finished with a record of 40-8-6, Cheng continued to persevere and has now earned her spot on their 19u girls roster. During Cheng’s 2024-2025 season, she has expertly balanced her rigorous academic course load with her demanding hockey schedule.
“Balancing school and hockey is definitely a challenge but it’s honestly all about time management and prioritizing what’s important to me and staying organized. I have practices Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and games/practices on Saturdays and Sundays, so I’m very busy. I don’t get home until about 10:30 at night so I try to get my homework done at school as much as I can, which requires a lot of discipline,” Cheng said.
Cheng’s talents do not go unnoticed at Naperville North High School. Fellow NNHS junior and student-athlete Nadia Ratz expresses her notice and appreciation of her friend’s hard work.
“Iris’s ability to balance her AP classes and other work with hockey makes me feel like I’m capable of the same thing. She inspires me to do the same with school and soccer,” Ratz said.
Despite her seemingly effortless ability to exercise discipline in several areas in her life, Cheng hopes that people recognize the energy and passion it takes to play a sport and be a student, particularly as a teenager.
“I feel like sometimes when people watch sports, they may not realize how much work someone has put into it both physically and mentally. I just hope that people understand how much effort my team, other athletes, and I put into athletics, especially as teenagers,” Cheng said.
Cheng’s current season, which started in early August and goes until late April, more than reflects her effort and dedication to her athletics. On Sept.26, 2024, Cheng committed to Princeton University, a NCAA Division I institution for Women’s Hockey. Cheng’s current seasonal record is 28-10-4, placing her team third in the country. These triumphs, along with her U14 team’s win at the 2021 Nationals, are part of her greatest achievements.
Cheng concedes that much of her success is a testament to the mentality she has gained over her 10 years of experience. She hopes to carry this mentality to the state playoffs and through the rest of the season.
“I plan to be focused, especially before games. For example, I monitor what I put in my body and make sure that I’m feeling my best in the days leading up to a game. I also remind myself to be confident because even if I make a mistake, I know that I’m prepared, and I know what I’m doing. Everyone has ups and downs, but the most important part is hitting the reset button, trusting myself, and trusting my team,” Cheng said.
