James Wood High School 17-year-old senior
Sport: Cross country
Parents: Trisha and Jim Nashed
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about cross country?: I love how supportive the cross country team is. The energy and support are really just unmatched. Everyone is always so enthusiastic about running. It’s honestly one of the best athletic environments I’ve ever been in.
Most memorable moment in cross country: This year, getting to race alongside one of my teammates, Melanie Padilla. It was just so memorable because we finished within two seconds of each other for two consecutive races (the Judges Classic and Third Battle Invitational). I feel like we really push each other in workouts and on the course. I feel like the teamwork we demonstrated will always be memorable to me.
Most embarrassing moment in cross country: Sophomore year, I went out really fast at the Judges Classic, because I thought that I could win the JV race. I ended up running over a minute slower than the previous week at Oatlands. It definitely made me realize that I had so much to learn and I should not go out so fast.
Most difficult moment in cross country: Last year, I battled a hip injury, and I had to take some time off from running. In this, I had to miss two meets. I didn’t really realize how much I appreciated the ability to run and race until this. It definitely was upsetting to see my teammates racing without me, wishing I was able.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: [Actress] Emma Watson; she’s so inspirational as a person through education in life. She’s a successful and educated individual. [Conservationist] Robert Irwin; I find his love for animals so inspiring, and I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. And Gracie Abrams; I love her music and lyrics.
Biggest athletic influence: My old soccer coach, Liz Pike. (Pike is Shenandoah University’s women’s soccer coach and has also coached club soccer over the years.) Although I don’t play soccer anymore, the life skills she taught resonated with me the most. She exemplified discipline and passion, two things required in any sport. And she truly inspired me to always strive for the next level.
Favorite teacher: Mrs. [Rachel] Reed. She was my honors and AP History teacher for my sophomore and junior years. She has such enthusiasm towards teaching and learning, and she really just wants us to succeed, so that’s uplifting as a student.
Favorite athlete: Pro runner Parker Valby. (Valby broke several NCAA track records at the University of Florida, including the 10K.)
Favorite team: U.S. women’s national soccer team
Favorite movie: “Little Women”
Favorite TV show: “Gossip Girl”
Favorite song: “Blowing Smoke” by Gracie Abrams
Favorite food: Sushi. I like it from Awabi on the walking mall.
Worst thing you’ve eaten: A ghost pepper gummy bear
Plans after high school: I plan to attend a four-year university and major in biology with a minor in political science to pursue a degree in medicine. In biology, I want to help people and I want to be an impact in people’s lives. So I feel like within the medical field, I have a chance to do that. And then political science, I feel like I just want to educate myself in the realm of that.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki