James Wood High School 16-year-old junior
Sport: Volleyball. Positions: Right side hitter and middle hitter
Parents: Amberleigh and Trip Wilhelm
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about volleyball?: I love how it’s a fast-paced game. I feel like you’re always doing something, and there’s just a lot of energy. I also think I’ve had a really good experience with my teammates and my coaches.
Most memorable moment in volleyball: Probably last year at states, just because I think we all played so hard, and it’s just nice to be able to play that hard and come out on top.
Most embarrassing moment in volleyball: One time the ball came over the net and I went up to hit it, but then I slipped and fell backwards.
Most difficult moment in volleyball: Probably whenever I’ve had to adjust to a new condition or completely different team or anything like that. There was one time where I switched positions when I was in eighth grade and that was a hard adjustment.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Both my grandparents; my grandpa died when I was 9 and my grandma died when I was 12. So I’d love to have a dinner with them. And my mom, just because she’s always there for me and I love to talk to her.
Biggest athletic influence: My dad. I think he always sets a good example. He played a lot of sports when he was younger and he does a really good job of just setting that example for everybody. And I think that always pushes me to do my best.
Favorite teacher: Miss Burkhart. I had her in Driver’s Ed last year. She’s just super fun, I love her so much.
Favorite athlete: Professional beach volleyball player Kristen Nuss
Favorite team: Louisville’s indoor volleyball team
Favorite movie: “Soul Surfer”
Favorite TV show: “Hannah Montana”
Favorite song: “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Asparagus
Plans after high school: I want to continue playing volleyball. I’m not sure where yet. I’m kind of in that process right now. So I hope to be able to do that. And I’m not sure what I want to major in. I’ll probably go in undecided, but we’ll see.
— Compiled by Joe Tuman