Athlete Spotlight: James Wood girls’ soccer Sarah Callaham

June 1, 2012

Sarah Callaham

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Soccer

Position: Midfielder

Parents: Monica and Bill Callaham

Hometown: Winchester

Nickname: My dad calls me “Sarie” and a couple of my friends picked up on that, so pretty much the whole team calls me that.

When did you start playing soccer: I started when I was 5. Both my parents played, so obviously they wanted me to play also and I just liked it more than any of the other sports I tried.

What you love about soccer: I like that there’s a chance to show your individual skill and that there’s also a team intricacy and that there’s a flow to the game and everyone has to play together.

Biggest strength and weakness in soccer: My biggest strength has always been the accuracy and consistency of my passing. And then my biggest weakness is I can be a little bit of a hot head and I’ll get frustrated and that can take me off my game.

Sport you always wanted to try: Actually gymnastics. I think it takes sheer athleticism and it takes raw talent and not everyone can do it. My mom put me in when I was 5 but I was terrible.

Most memorable moment in soccer: Probably the other day when I scored in overtime to beat Handley (in the Northwestern District Tournament semifinals). But it wasn’t just for me, it was the first time a girls’ soccer team from James Wood qualified for regionals, so that was big for all of us.

Favorite athlete: [Golfer] Rory McIlroy. He’s the only golfer that I like watching and he’s kind of cute. Every girl likes an accent.

Favorite sports team:: FC Barcelona because their passing is incredible. Every single one of them has phenomenal touch and it’s really pretty game of soccer to watch.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive:[Actor] Leonardo DiCaprio, Rory McIlroy and [TV personality] Chelsea Handler. I think Leo’s a great actor, he can play any role. And I like Chelsea Handler’s sarcastic, witty comments. I think they’re funny to listen to. She’s a character.

Pregame ritual/routine: If it’s a big game I kind of like to be left alone. I don’t want anyone to talk to me. And I always bring a blanket with me so I can just curl up somewhere alone and put on some sunglasses and just listen to some music.

Plans after high school: I’m going to U.Va. I’m not sure what I’m going to study yet, but I feel like I can just get my general classes out of the way and then eventually I’ll figure it out. I might join an intramural team and play soccer.