James Wood High School 17-year-old senior
Sport: Basketball.
Position: Guard
Parents: Jessica and Russell “Rusty” Nail
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about basketball?: Being able to play a fast-paced game, and being part of a team with such amazing chemistry and an overall great bond.
Most memorable moment in basketball: Last year, when we would get a win with our old coach Sanford [Silver], he would come into the locker room and act sad. But then we would all jump around excited after the win together.
Most embarrassing moment in basketball: When I was a freshman and I got into a varsity game for once. In the first 20 seconds, I got my ankles broken [by an opponent’s move], and then I was taken right back out of the game. I cried on the bench.
Most difficult moment in basketball: Coming back from freshman year and having the confidence to then be a starter sophomore year. I had to work back my confidence from sitting on the bench all of my freshman year.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My Momaw Polly [Nail’s grandmother]; she was my best friend. She passed away last year. and JJ from “Outer Banks” and Will Byers from “Stranger Things.” Those are my two favorite shows, so I just picked one person from each of those.
Biggest athletic influences: My mom and dad. They were both really great athletes growing up. My dad went to James Wood [in the 1990s] and played baseball, basketball and ran cross country. They tell me a bunch of stories about their sport life, and they’ve mentored me through my sport careers.
Favorite teacher: Ms. [Alyson] Burkhart. I had her sophomore year for driver’s ed. It was really fun being in her class. I had two of my other best friends in that class, too, so it just made it more fun.
Favorite athlete: [Washington Commanders quarterback] Jayden Daniels
Favorite team: Washington Commanders, because they’re my dad’s favorite team. [Supporting them] is a big part of our house.
Favorite movies: “The Greatest Showman” and “The Notebook.” I’ve watched them both probably a million times.
Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”
Favorite song: “Titanium” by David Guetta
Favorite food: Steak. I like it when my dad makes it the most.
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Salmon
Plans after high school: I plan to go to a four-year college that offers an early assurance program for physical therapy. And then hopefully, in the future, specialize in pediatrics. I love to help kids and people who are in need.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki