Athlete Spotlight: James Wood girls' soccer player Abbey Esparza

Abbey Esparza

James Wood High School 18-year-old senior

Sport: Soccer. Position: Midfielder

Parents: Todd and Jennifer Esparza

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about soccer: I love that it can be fun and really intense. And I like the team aspect.

Most memorable moment in soccer: Our last game against Handley [on April 20], when we went into overtime and beat them [3-2]. It was really fun. My team was really hyped up. We just really wanted to win, so when we did win it was really exciting for us.

Most embarrassing moment in soccer: This season there’s been two times I’ve taken a throw-in, and I’ve lifted my foot up [for a foul throw]. We just laugh about it.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Carrie Fisher; she’s the ultimate female icon, and I grew up idolizing her. JFK; he was a really cool president, and I liked the efforts he did. And Matt Damon; he’s my favorite actor. I love “The Martian.” I watch that movie all the time.

If you could use a time machine, where/when would you go: I’d probably go back to the Roaring Twenties. It seems like a really fun time.

If you could go on a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go: Greece. It’s really pretty there.

Favorite teacher: Mr. [Andrew] Huff. He’s my AP Bio teacher. I love bio. He makes it a lot of fun. I love the labs we do in there.

Favorite athlete: Simone Biles

Favorite team: Washington Nationals

Favorite movie: “Can’t Buy Me Love”

Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”

Favorite song: “Kiwi” by Harry Styles

Favorite food: Watermelon

Plans after high school: I’m going to Shenandoah to major in biology with a focus on pre-physician assistant studies. I love medicine and I want to help people. It’s a job you can combine both into.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki