James Wood High School 17-year-old senior
Sport: Soccer. Position: Center back
Parents: Charity and Shane Bell
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about soccer?: I love the energy. I love being with my teammates. It’s just a lot of fun. I always look forward to the games.
Most memorable moment in soccer: A long while ago, when I was probably 9, I scored a long free kick to win a final in a [travel] tournament. We all got really excited, and that was a lot of fun.
Most embarrassing moment in soccer: My freshman year. I was chasing down the striker in an away game for high school, and I got bodied off the ball. It was just a matter of that I was going in for the body, but I was going against a senior striker because I was playing varsity, and I just lost it, and they scored.
Most difficult moment in soccer: Probably my sophomore year, coming back to high school season. I was coming off of an injury where I tore my LCL during football season, so I was doing rehab the whole offseason. I wasn’t able to get really any touches on the ball in the offseason, so I was a little rusty coming back.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: I would choose Steve Carell, because I love The Office. I would choose Elvis, because my mom is like a super fan, so I’ll choose him for her. And then my third would be [Lionel] Messi, because he’s the greatest soccer player of all time.
Biggest athletic influence: Coach Chris Armel from Parisi [Speed School] at Valley Health. I started going there in eighth grade. He’s just been a great motivator. He’s got me committed to the gym now. He has just made me an overall better athlete, mindset-wise and physicality-wise.
Favorite teacher: My teacher in fifth grade [at Apple Pie Ridge Elementary], Mr. [Michael] Mowchan. He just made everything a lot of fun. He kind of turned every learning thing into a game. I think that really helped me, actually. It was a fun year.
Favorite athlete: [Aston Villa soccer player) Morgan Rogers
Favorite team: Aston Villa
Favorite movie: “Grown Ups”
Favorite TV show: “The Office”
Favorite song: “Home Sweet Home” by Mötley Crüe
Favorite food: Steak
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Brussels sprouts
Plans after high school: I’ll be attending University of Virginia, and I’m currently undecided on my major. It’s a great academic school, and my brother goes there, so I’ve been down there a lot. I guess I’ve been able to be there so much that I feel a little more connected to that school. I’m considering maybe a pre-med option, probably. I’ve tended to always enjoy my science classes a little more, so that’s why I’m leaning toward that.
— Compiled by Joe Tuman