Athlete Spotlight: James Wood soccer player Colby Fields

James Wood High School 18-year-old senior

Sport: Soccer. Position: Forward

Parents: Carol Fields and James Fields

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about soccer?: The aspect of being able to be out on the field, being able to have a team that I can call family, and being able to put my own self out there and show what I have to offer.

Most memorable moment in soccer: My mom teaching me everything I know about soccer. I was about 3 years old when I first started playing. When she was younger she played for a few travel teams, and she played for Sherando High School. She’s who I play for.

Most embarrassing moment in soccer: I went to slide tackle, and my shorts went down my legs. This was in a travel game a few years ago. Everybody just had a good laugh, and I laughed it off with everybody.

Most difficult moment in soccer: I’m not the best player, so I have to put in the work to prove to people that I’m better than what they thought.

People you can have dinner with, dead or alive: God; I’d like to talk with him and see what I can do better. My mom; she’s my motivation to play the sport and continue on. I just want to make her proud. And my best friend (and Millbrook soccer player) Chase Hepner; he’s been here through my entire life and been with me through thick and thin.

Biggest athletic influences: My mom and my uncle Liam Ebert (a former James Wood soccer player). He’s also someone who’s taught me a lot about what I know about soccer. He taught me how to play the high school game at an early age.

Favorite teacher: My Kindergarten teacher at Evendale Elementary School. Her name now is Ms. DeHaven. Back then she was Ms. Hall. She was probably the nicest teacher you’ll ever meet. She has such a kind heart. There were a few times where I did not feel good. She shared her Coke and a Hershey’s chocolate bar and ate lunch with me because I just wasn’t feeling good one day. That’s a memory I never forget.

Favorite athlete: (Brazilian soccer player) Neymar

Favorite team: Chelsea FC

Favorite movie: “Deadpool”

Favorite TV show: “The Walking Dead”

Favorite song: “Where the Wild Things Are” by Luke Combs

Favorite food: Pineapple

Worst thing you’ve eaten: We got these wonton noodles that were black. Our whole family just threw them away. It was a year a half ago. We were sick after.

Plans after high school: I’d like to do some traveling and see my options for work. I don’t want to rush into anything too crazy. I am looking into carpentry, nursing, law enforcement. I’ve got a whole book of stuff I’m into.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki