Athlete Spotlight: James Wood High School girls' soccer player Neary Casebolt

James Wood High School 18-year-old senior

Sport: Soccer. Position: Defender

Parent: Shannon Casebolt

Nicknames: My mom calls me “Junior.” I’m adopted, but a lot of people have said I’m just like my mom because of my characteristics and personality. Some people also call me “Ninja” or “Bulldog.”

What do you love about soccer: Definitely the team aspect. Coming together and connecting, and making the plays happen. You have to make sure everybody works together, or else it doesn’t work.

Most memorable moment in soccer: My sophomore year we were playing Handley on our Senior Night. I scored in overtime (for a 3-2 James Wood win). Everybody was working hard and did not stop, and me scoring put the cherry on top. It meant a lot to help the seniors win.

Most embarrassing moment in soccer: One time in BRYSA, I was running and I used the ref as a shield from another player. I accidentally tripped him, and I kept running. Now every time I see this ref he says, ‘Now don’t trip me Neary.’

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: [Director] Quentin Tarantino; how he creates all his movies is pure genius. [Actor/music artist] Donald Glover (also known as Childish Gambino); he’s a very versatile person. He also directs and produces. I think people should do more than one thing if they can. And [actress] Emma Watson; she’s a great role model and good actor. She’s very educated and is a very strong person.

Favorite superhero: Batman. Just because of his backstory of being an orphan, and because even though he doesn’t have any superpowers, he can kick butt.

Favorite teacher: My third-grade teacher, Mrs. [Brenda] Johnson. She made my class feel like more of a family instead of just a class.

Favorite athlete: [Women’s soccer player] Tobin Heath.

Favorite movie: “Pulp Fiction”

Favorite song: “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant

Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate brownie fudge

Plans after high school: I’m in the Army Reserve right now, and I’m going to go to IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) school. After I graduate from that, I’ll go to James Madison University in January for the spring semester. I want to be a physical therapist. I like how I can see the progression in each patient and knowing that I can help them get better.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki