By Andrea Swayne
Addie McPhillips, 10, of San Clemente, is an athlete at heart with dreams of becoming a pro surfer and pro skater.
She also loves playing soccer and basketball, the drums, xylophone and piano. As part of the Las Palmas Percussionists at her school, this multi-talented fourth-grader performs with the group at area schools as well as community events such as Puttin’ on the Glitz and Cinco de Mayo.
Addie is a top student earning mostly As and although she takes her studies very seriously, she genuinely enjoys school.
“I love school, it’s really fun,” she said. “What I like most about it is getting to see my friends, math, reading and learning to speak Spanish. School is important because it makes you smarter. You get to learn about what your life is going to be and you need it so you can get good jobs when you grow up.”
Addie started surfing at the age of 3, riding tandem with her dad at San Onofre.
“That was really fun but I really started surfing a lot when I was about 8,” she said. “I started going to Trestles and Church’s and I started competing last year. I like it because it’s fun surfing against friends and I like to win trophies. Being in that situation really helps me get better too.”
Addie competes in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour, San O contests and the Stoke-o-Rama.
Determined to continue climbing the amateur ranks, she practices every weekend and on weekdays when she doesn’t have a lot of homework.
Addie credits her family with helping her to reach her goals, in surfing and in life.
“I would like to thank my dad, mom, grandma, grandpa, uncle, aunt and cousins for teaching me how to surf and do other sports and for always supporting me when I have tough times,” she said. “They also taught me about having good sportsmanship.”
Addie’s rules for life: “Have good sportsmanship; try not to get mad, even if you get last; always tell the truth and never give up.”
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