Athlete Spotlight: James Wood soccer player Kelsey Gass

James Wood High School 18-year-old senior

Sport: Soccer. Position: Midfielder

Parents: Krista and Kraig Gass

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about soccer?: I love the connection of the community of soccer, and just really getting to build something as a team.

Most memorable moment in soccer: Last year, on the way to states [for a quarterfinal game against Western Albemarle in Crozet], we were on a charter bus, and the wheel popped. We had to go to a gas station on I-81 on the side of the road. We were stranded for at least for an hour. We still had to get food, so we were a bit rushed. We still got there on time, because we made sure we had a lot of time, but we just had to get food, get on the bus and go.

Most embarrassing moment in soccer: One time, I got a concussion from my own teammate. She went to go clear the ball, and I got hit in the head. This was probably three years ago for Blue Ridge United.

Most difficult moment in soccer: Conditioning. Getting yourself ready in the preseason, and putting that work in behind the scenes to get ready for playing.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My great-grandparents; so I can ask them how they built up their careers and their lives. And Jesus; I’d ask Him questions about my own life and how I can do things better.

Biggest athletic influence: [Former U.S. women’s soccer player] Carli Lloyd. She’s such an amazing player. She really helped the U.S. women’s national team and women’s sports in general. She’s a really great midfielder and she’s a very versatile player.

Favorite teacher: My 10th-grade driver’s ed teacher, Ms. [Alyson] Burkhart. She was always funny and always came to class with a smile. I’d always want to be in her class. I would really be disappointed if we had a sub or something, just because she would always start my day really great.

Favorite athlete: Carli Lloyd

Favorite team: U.S. women’s national soccer team

Favorite movie: “The Hunger Games”

Favorite TV show: “WandaVision”

Favorite food: Chicken

Worst thing you’ve ever eaten: Fish sticks

Plans after high school: I’m going to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study business. I like the entrepreneurial opportunities that business brings.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki