Athlete Spotlight: James Wood High School Volleyball Player Leilani Burch

Posted: September 20, 2016

Sport: Volleyball. Position: Outside hitter

Parents: Kim and Matt Burch. Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about volleyball: I like having teammates. It’s creates a whole other group of friends for me. I like seeing them every day and having that bond with them because I don’t really have that with anybody else.

Most memorable moment in volleyball: It would definitely be when I went to the state finals my sophomore year. All 14 of us were like best friends and to experience that together — the bond we created not only that year but we almost had the identical team the year before that — was really cool.

Most embarrassing moment in volleyball: During travel this past year, it was almost the end of the game and we were up by a lot so I knew we were going to win — it was 24 to something and I thought it was the 25th point. I was a [direct sub] at the time so I came off the bench to high-five and game was still going. I ended up having to sub-in for a position I wasn’t used to playing and having to come back out for the last point.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Miley Cyrus, because I’ve always loved her since she was Hannah Montana and she was my first concert; Seth Rogen just because I love all of his movies and I think he’s really funny and Adam Sandler because I’ve watched him since I was little and he’s just as funny now that I’m grown up.

Food you can’t live without and why: Wings because I always want them. I could eat them every day and not get tired of them. I like boneless or traditional.

Favorite teacher: Mrs. [Carla] Milton. I had her my freshman year [for physical education] and ever since then we’ve been really close. I can go to her for things that aren’t school related if I need something.

Favorite athlete: [Former Ravens linebacker] Ray Lewis

Favorite team: Baltimore Ravens

Favorite movie: "Titanic"

Favorite TV show: "Criminal Minds"

Favorite song: "Close Your Eyes" by Parmalee

Favorite ice cream flavor: Raspberry Pack Attack with brownie bites at Pack’s

Plans after high school: I plan to go to Lord Fairfax to get my general courses out of the way. After that I want to transfer to either JMU or ODU, but that could change in two years. I’m not completely sure what I want to major in. I don’t really want to narrow it down before I look into all of my options.

— Compiled by Walt Moody