These eight standout student-athletes are primed for greatness this winter.

Zach Anderson, Apopka basketball
A 6-foot-7 senior forward, Anderson is a three-year starter who helped Apopka win a district championship in 2018 and post a 22-4 record last year. He will continue his career at Florida Gulf Coast University.

OFM: Last year was a great one for Apopka, although the team battled some injuries down the stretch and the season ended sooner than expected against Wekiva in the district semifinals. Did that loss fuel you in the offseason?
ZA: Yes, it very much did. That feeling of losing definitely fueled me in the offseason and we’ve been working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

OFM: You were one of the players battling an injury, right?
ZA: Yes sir, I had a back injury. [The district semifinal] was my first game back in three games. It’s way better now; I don’t even feel it anymore.

OFM: What do you think your team can accomplish this year?
ZA: What we’re looking for right now is a championship, because we look really good. We have a deep bench and a couple of good role players who are going to fit into the program. We still have our point guard from last year, John [Latimer]. We’re predicted to go far and we should do some damage this year.

OFM: Are you taking on a leadership role as a senior?
ZA: Yes, sir. I stepped into a leadership role last year along with Nate [Louis]. Now he’s gone, so I kind of have to be the man.

OFM: You are a very versatile player in that you have size and can dominate inside, but you also like to bring the ball up and look for your teammates. How would you describe your game?
ZA: I would describe it basically the way you just did. I can play one through five. I’m long enough to guard the five but quick enough to guard the one. I like to play inside if I have a shorter defender on me and I like to play outside if I have a larger defender on me. I also like to distribute the ball. If you’re the leader, you don’t have to score 25 points per game or have your name out there. I like to do whatever it takes to win.

OFM: Are you working on extending your shooting range?
ZA: Yes, I am. I had a really good offseason shooting the ball and I’ve been working on it a lot. I should be able to knock some down this year.

OFM: What did you like about the basketball program and the school to make you commit to Florida Gulf Coast?
ZA: The program is great, the campus is really nice and I felt comfortable with the coaches. They stayed in touch with me more than any other school that recruited me and it felt like home. It’s close and my parents were really happy with the decision. They play just like Apopka too: move the ball well and get good shots.

OFM: Do you remember “Dunk City,” when Florida Gulf Coast became the first 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2013?
ZA: [Laughs] No, I’m too young to remember that but I got brought up [to speed] when they started recruiting me freshman year. The reason I’m going there is to help the team [accomplish big things like that]. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

OFM: Do you know what you want to major in?
ZA: No, not yet. I was thinking about sports medicine because they have that down there, but I’m not sure yet.

OFM: I heard that your favorite NBA team is the Lakers, but your favorite player is Jaylen Brown of the Celtics. How does that work with the Lakers-Celtics rivalry?
ZA: [Laughs] I grew up a LeBron [James] fan—ever since I was a little kid. I’m still a LeBron fan to this day, but I like Jaylen Brown because he’s more my type of player, even though he’s a lot stronger than I am. I like that he can shoot it, he can take it down the floor. I relate to him a lot. But I’m still a Lakers fan, so its gets tough when they play against each other.

OFM: What do you like to do when you’re not playing basketball?
ZA: I like to draw a lot. I always drew growing up and I really started getting into it around seventh and eighth grade. When I’m bored or not going to the gym, I’ll usually sit down and draw. I draw beaches a lot and I also like to draw people.

OFM: Coach Scott Williams has had a lot of success at the high school level. Do you like playing for him?
ZA: I love playing for Coach Williams. In travel ball, everybody starts playing one-on-one and tries to do things on their own, but Coach Williams always plays the right way. Everybody gets on the glass and makes the extra pass. He doesn’t only care about basketball; he tells us all the time that his job is to make us better off the court, not on the court. He wants to make us better men and that’s why I like him so much. He’s a very good guy outside of basketball.

Jody Brown, Montverde Academy soccer
Brown, a senior forward, had 31 goals and nine assists last year and scored the game-winner to lead Montverde to the 4A state championship. This past summer, the native of Jamaica competed on the global stage at the Women’s World Cup in France, as her country qualified for the first time ever.

OFM: Can you describe the experience of competing at the World Cup for the first time this past summer?
JB: It was the most unforgettable experience of my life. It was really fun and the atmosphere at the stadium was amazing, especially seeing so many Jamaican colors.

OFM: What was the reaction like back home? Did your team’s berth in the World Cup mean a lot to Jamaica?
JB: Everyone was really happy for us because we’ve really worked hard. We are really proud of ourselves and [appreciate] the support from the nation.

OFM: One of the teams you competed against was Brazil. Did you get a chance to meet Marta, your favorite player growing up?
JB: Yes, I got a chance to meet her because she went into our locker room. … I wasn’t in there [at the time] but I saw her walking out and me and some of my teammates took pictures with her.

OFM: Going back to World Cup qualifying, you were named the Best Young Player of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in 2018. What did that mean to you and did that performance prove to you that you were ready to compete at that level?
JB: It really meant a lot to me because [I had] been training really hard to be there and training with my teammates. They really push me and that helps me to become stronger, and it’s really a blessing to me. I’ll keep on pushing.

OFM: What do you like about going to school at Montverde Academy?
JB: It’s a great place for learning and to get good knowledge for the next chapter of your life, and [it’s also a great place] just to know more about other cultures and make friends.

OFM: What is one thing you love about living in Florida and one thing you miss about Jamaica?
JB: One thing I love about living in Florida is that it’s not too far away from home and the weather is great for me. One thing I really miss from home is the food and being around my family.

OFM: You led the Montverde soccer team to the 4A state championship last year. What are your goals for this season for yourself and the team?
JB: My goals for this season are to finish strong academic-wise, soccer-wise and just enjoy my last season with my teammates in high school.

OFM: Are you hoping to play Division I college soccer in the U.S.? Where do you envision playing professionally?
JB: Yes, I hope to play Division I college soccer in the U.S. and I envision playing professional soccer in London at my dream club, Chelsea FC.

OFM: What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer? What are your hobbies?
JB: My hobbies are watching soccer videos, dancing and listening to music.

OFM: Congratulations on winning the Victoria Mutual Y.O.U.T.H. Award. What did that mean to you and why did you decide to donate the $150,000 prize you received to the St. Ann Football Association and St. Ann Lime Hall School in Jamaica?
JB: The Victoria Mutual Y.O.U.T.H. Award means everything to me because it helps me to give back to my primary school and also my club, where my dream all started. It really motivates me so I can do more for the community where I’m from.

Maddy Morales, Boone basketball
A four-year starter at guard, Morales is a well-rounded player who averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists last year to help Boone reach the district semifinals. She will continue her career at Florida Southern College.

OFM: It has been a great career for you so far in high school. Are you excited to see what you can accomplish as a senior?
MM: Yes. I’m really excited to make this season the most memorable. I think we can get to districts and win districts and go even further. We have a strong team this year and we have a close bond. I’ve already accomplished my goal of [committing] to a college, so I just want to see the team do well.

OFM: You seem like a very versatile player who contributes in a lot of different ways. Is that important to you?
MM: Yes. You need to be good at everything in basketball, because you never know what can happen in the game. I think it’s beneficial to learn other positions. I like playing point guard the most, because I like balancing the floor and being able to control things, because sometimes it can get hectic out there. I like to be in charge, I guess.

OFM: You have a knack for drawing charges on defense—you took 16 last year. Does that take a special mindset?
MM: Not a lot of girls take charges, but I enjoy it. I think the most I ever had in a game was four. It’s scary sometimes but you just have to get mentally prepared for it. I watched my brother’s team growing up and there was this one kid who always took charges. That just stuck with me.

OFM: Did your older brother Jordan, a former player at Boone, have a big impact on you?
MM: Definitely. He showed me how much fun you can have with basketball and how it teaches you life skills. That’s how we bonded.

OFM: You are creeping up on 1,000 points for your career. Would that milestone mean a lot to you?
MM: Oh yeah, that’s a big deal. … It’s definitely attainable this year and something I really want to get. I hope I do it at a home game.

OFM: What led to your decision to commit to Florida Southern?
MM: I knew I wanted to go to Florida Southern from the start because I wanted to go to a smaller school and [Division II] was my goal. I would probably go to a small school even if I wasn’t playing basketball. Having that opportunity and having the coach so interested in me, I know I made the right decision.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
MM: I think I want to study applied math and statistics to focus on engineering. I want to get into the math background, but I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
MM: Yes, I’ve lived in Orlando my whole life. I like its uniqueness. I’ve traveled to other places, but Orlando has a different feel. There’s so much to do here, especially with Disney and everything. I like to go to Universal Halloween Horror Nights and drive to the beach. It’s a fun place to grow up.

OFM: What other interests do you have aside from basketball?
MM: I do student government at school. I’m class president and I really enjoy doing a lot of things at Boone. I also do community service with my mom and a bunch of my friends through the Key Club at Boone, and that basically takes up all of my time outside of basketball. We participate in a lot of different community events. We make dog toys for the dog shelter; we make peanut butter and jelly [sandwiches] and give them to the homeless shelter; we do beach cleanups; and we do campus cleanups where we pick up trash. We also work with some of the younger kids at schools in the area and teach them about Key Club before they get to high school. I love Key Club because I’m the president and my mom is the sponsor of it, so it’s something we do together.

OFM: Is donating your time something you would like to continue in the future?
MM: Yes. I know Florida Southern does a lot of community service through the basketball team. It’s nice to know they have that goal too, to help out in the community.

Emmy James, Wekiva basketball
James has been Wekiva’s starting point guard since her freshman season, and last year she was a key piece of a team that went 26-6 and captured the 9A state championship. A Southern Mississippi recruit, she averaged 8.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a junior.

OFM: Last season was obviously a special one for your team. Can you describe the feeling of winning a state championship?
EJ: Honestly, it was surreal. All of our hard work finally paid off and we reaped the benefits of pushing each other hard every day in practice.

OFM: It was such a memorable championship game too, with Brierra Williams hitting a huge 3-pointer in the final seconds of the fourth quarter and Wekiva eventually winning in double overtime. Do you think about that game often?
EJ: Yes, I really do. We never gave up. We know Bri is our shooter, and even when she missed the [first] shot, we rebounded and gave it right back to her. She made the shot and we won the game.

OFM: You have been making an impact at point guard since your freshman year. Have you always played that position?
EJ: I was actually a shooting guard, but when I came to Wekiva, coach [Tommie] Butts needed me to play that position so I made the change. I was a scorer for my other teams, but he needed me to facilitate and kind of do both at the same time. I like it, simply because I’ve developed a great passing ability, but I like to play other areas as well.

OFM: You fill up the stat sheet and contribute in a lot of ways. Is that important to you?
EJ: It is, but it just comes naturally. I never really think about the stat sheet; I just do what I need to do at that specific moment.

OFM: I know you suffered some key losses to graduation, but there is still a lot of talent coming back. Do you have high hopes for this season?
EJ: I always have high hopes coming into a new school year. It’s going to be a little different because a couple of players chose to take a different route, but we always compete and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re ready.

OFM: What did you like about the school and basketball program at Southern Miss?
EJ: Southern Miss is one of the schools that has been recruiting me since my freshman year or eighth grade. Even after my injury [a torn ACL two years ago], they stayed when all the BCS schools left. I love the culture and the family atmosphere. [Coach Joye Lee-McNelis] didn’t only care about me on the basketball court; she cared about my relationships with my other coaches off the court.

OFM: Are you nervous about being so far from home?
EJ: Not really, because my family is from Mississippi. I’m want one of the first generation to live in Orlando, so I have a lot of family members who still live there. … My mom is from Gulfport so we go back and forth a lot.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
EJ: When I visited there, the business advisor described to me their program, so I want to major in business and minor in nonprofit areas. I really care about the homeless and I have my own nonprofit called the Home Foundation, and that’s what I want to do after basketball.

OFM: What made you want to start your nonprofit?
EJ: One day, I was looking at a homeless person and thinking, ‘What is a dollar going to do for someone?’ All you can really do with a dollar is buy some candy. So I decided to sell these shirts with a quote on it that I said to my mom when she was going through a hard time. The quote is, ‘Trouble doesn’t last long, it just feels long while it lasts.’ We put that on a shirt and people started to buy them. So the profits I got from the shirts, I used to buy supplies for the homeless and I give away bags at Lake Eola [and other areas].

OFM: What are some of your hobbies away from the basketball court?
EJ: I actually started a club here at school called the Innovative Girls Club. I just like helping people; I serve God in any way I can. What we do is collaborate with young girls—predominantly young black girls—and we’re trying to break generational curses. So we listen to their creative ideas and try to help them figure out what business they can go into.

Gabe Rendon, Oviedo wrestling
A junior, Rendon has competed at the 3A state championships in both of his high school seasons, taking fifth place at 113 pounds in 2019 to cap a 43-16 campaign. He is moving up to 120 this year and is expected to be among the best wrestlers in the state in his weight class.

OFM: Last year was a big one for you on the mat. Are you excited to see what you can do as a junior?
GR: Yes sir, I am. My goal this year, after placing fifth last year, is to make it to the state final and hopefully win. I’m striving for the best and I want to at least place in the top three.

OFM: I know you also competed at states as a freshman. What is the experience like?
GR: As you said, I went my freshman year and I didn’t do very well, but that probably helped me for my sophomore year. As a sophomore, I was not scared to wrestle; I felt natural and comfortable. It was very intimidating for me [as a freshman]. It was all new and I didn’t really know how to feel. But coming back my sophomore year, I think I achieved what I wanted to.

OFM: Did you grow up going to states as a fan?
GR: Not in Florida. I wrestled in California and saw states there.

OFM: When did you move to Florida?
GR: I moved in 2015 when I was in seventh grade. I used to live in Southern California, near Mission Viejo.

OFM: What was it like to move across the country?
GR: We actually moved from Florida to California originally, so I was excited to come back because most of my family is from here.

OFM: How did you first get into wrestling?
GR: I was 8 years old and I got into wrestling because my brother had started his freshman year in high school because he didn’t have any after-school activities. My parents took me to a few of his matches, and I really liked to watch and cheer for him. So my parents found a little training facility that I could go to and start practicing.

OFM: There’s probably not a more demanding sport than wrestling at the high school level. Is the payoff worth it?
GR: It’s worth all the effort for me. This sport asks a lot, especially at the higher level. I have so much respect for people who wrestle in college, because they succeed both in academics and a grueling, tough sport.

OFM: Have you started thinking about college yet?
GR: I would love to wrestle in college. There aren’t many good colleges to wrestle at in Florida, and that’s unfortunate. But I would love to wrestle somewhere.

OFM: Do you know what you would like to study in college or what career you’d like to pursue?
GR: Not necessarily, but I’m looking to be some sort of personal trainer or physical therapist.

OFM: What do you like about Oviedo?
GR: Oviedo is a very friendly, open school and the teachers there are amazing. Oviedo is an A-plus school and it’s been that way for almost 20 years. I really like it there. I have a great coach [Brett Simonelli] and I like him very much.

OFM: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not wrestling?
GR: I like to go watch UCF football, I love to go fishing and I love to hang out with my friends outside of school, and maybe see a movie or something.

OFM: What’s the last movie you saw?
GR: IT Chapter Two. It was amazing; I thought it was better than the first one.

OFM: What do you like about living in Orlando?
GR: I really like the area. We have nice weather most of the time and all of my family is here. I have my grandparents here, all of my cousins. It’s a great place to grow up.

OFM: Do you follow wrestling at the collegiate or Olympic levels? Who are the wrestlers you look up to?
GR: Yes, I do. I’m really inspired by a wrestler named Yianni Diakomihalis, who goes to Cornell. I also love to watch Kyle Dake, another Cornell wrestler who wrestles at the Olympic level now. He recently won a gold medal at the World [Wrestling Championships]. I love to watch them wrestle because they put everything into it and their styles are so unique. I hope and strive to one day get where they are.

Trey Moss, Windermere basketball
Moss, a junior point guard, helped lead Windermere to a memorable season last year, as they went 27-5 with district and region titles and advanced to the 8A state semifinals. He is being heavily recruited by Division I programs all over the country.

OFM: Looking back on last year, your team reached the state semifinals for the first time in the brief history of the school. Can you describe what the playoff run was like?
TM: Nobody in this city thought we were going to go that far, but we just bought into the team and the coaching staff. We played for each other and we played together. That’s what took us so far.

OFM: You only lost by two points in the semifinals to Blanche Ely, which went on to win the state championship. Do you often replay that game in your mind?
TM: I think about that every single day. I remember every single play and think about what I could have done different. Everybody said that was the championship game—that whichever team won that game was going to win it all. So I think about that during every single practice and I play it back in my head at night. I can’t stop thinking about it. I want to get right back to that spot.

OFM: As the only returning starter this year, are you going to have to become more of a scorer?
TM: Yes, but we have a transfer and a bunch of other players stepping up. Without the four starting seniors from last year, I’ll take more of a leadership role for the JV team, the freshman team and my [varsity] teammates.

OFM: Have you always played point guard?
TM: Pretty much, yes, but when I was younger I played center.

OFM: What do you love about playing point guard?
TM: Getting everyone involved; getting my teammates hot. I just like playing for my brothers.

OFM: Is there a player you admire who you try to model your game after?
TM: John Wall [of the Washington Wizards]. I like how he uses his speed and passing ability to get people open, plus he can score the ball at a high clip.

OFM: Even though you like setting up your teammates, you have also shown an ability to score. What was going right for you in the district championship game, when you scored 31 points?
TM: My teammates got me the ball in all of my spots in that game.

OFM: How did you get started in basketball?
TM: I was 3 years old and my dad put a ball in my hands. I’ve been in love with it ever since. I used to play other sports; whenever my brother joined a team, I would also play. But I never liked anything else like basketball.

OFM: Are you enjoying the recruiting process?
TM: It’s great, actually. I had an official visit to Santa Clara [in October]. Other schools that have offered me are USF, FAU, UMass, Stetson and FGCU. I don’t really have a preference on the area; I just want to play somewhere that is best for me. I want a school that will help me develop as a player and as a man, and a good academic school for life after basketball.

OFM: What are you interested in studying?
TM: I’ve been thinking about it and it keeps flipping. At one point in time I was into engineering, but now I’m thinking about something to do with computers—maybe coding.

OFM: What is it like to go to a brand-new school at Windermere?
TM: I really like the school. Going to a new school, everybody expects that we’re not going to have good sports teams, because there were no seniors our first year. There was no foundation, but we created the foundation. Every time we step on the court, we’re going to play hard and play tough defense. That’s the only thing we can control, how hard we play.

OFM: Even though the school doesn’t have a long history, who would you say your biggest rival is?
TM: West Orange, without a doubt. That school is pretty much right down the road, about 10 minutes away. Every time we play them, it’s sold out. There are 400 people in the gym and people are standing up. It’s crazy.

OFM: What do you like to do when you’re not playing basketball?
TM: I’m either playing [NBA]2K or I’m at the gym. Right now, my go-to team [on NBA2K] is probably the Bucks.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
TM: I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Florida when I was 4 years old, so I’ve pretty much been here my whole life. I love the weather and the area I grew up in is really nice. That’s where I met all of my friends from elementary school and I’m still friends with them now.

OFM: Do you root for Ohio teams?
TM: Well, I’m a Cavs fan. I’ve stayed with them no matter what.

Brock Seneff, Lake Highland soccer
A senior midfielder and captain, Seneff had seven goals and 11 assists as a junior to lead Lake Highland to a 16-3-2 record and the first state championship in program history. He is hoping to help the Highlanders repeat this winter before continuing his career at Wheaton College.

OFM: Last year was obviously a special season. Can you describe what it was like to win a state championship?
BS: From the very beginning of the year, our team had a sense of destiny. I think we all believed that we had a special group of guys that was able to do something special. We were a unified team that was willing to work hard for each other and do anything to win. That’s what fueled our title run, which was great. It was great to make history with that group and I wouldn’t have wanted to win it with any other guys. To win the first state championship for the school—especially after a few cousins of mine lost in the final a few years back—it was just special to be part of school history.

OFM: You scored the only goal in the semifinals to send your team to the final. That must have been a memorable moment for you personally.
BS: For sure. To be able to score a goal like that, from 30 yards out, and have it be the winner was great. But I was more happy to win than to score the goal, because it meant we were going to have a chance to play for the first state title in school history.

OFM: Having the state final come down to penalty kicks must have been nerve-wracking. Were you part of the shootout?
BS: You always hate for a game to end in penalties—that’s one of the most brutal ways to lose the game. They were a fantastic team too. But I was the second one on our team to take a penalty and fortunately I was able to convert. We ended up winning and it was a fantastic feeling.

OFM: Are you confident that you can get back to that point this season?
BS: We’re certainly hoping to defend our title. Obviously, we want to win it again, but at the same time we know it’s going to be extremely difficult with a target on our back to win games and go deep in the playoffs. We definitely want to have one last hurrah and go out with another state championship.

OFM: You’re known as a leader on your team. Is that a role you take pride in?
BS: For sure. I would say in the last year I learned a lot about leadership and how it can be difficult at times. I learned that creating positive interactions on and off the pitch builds trust on the team. I’m a returning captain and I certainly do take that responsibility seriously. I want to lead well and have a great experience this year.

OFM: Although you can definitely score, it seems like you enjoy serving the ball and setting up your teammates even more. Is that true?
BS: I would agree with that. I’ve always kind of had a knack for setting up my teammates. Anything I can do to help us win, I’m going to do, because I like to win and I want to get the job done. I love to have a great assist.

OFM: Are you a big fan of professional soccer?
BS: Yes, sir. I follow the Premier League and I follow MLS a little bit. I always enjoy when the U.S. Men’s National Team is in town, because they’re at such a high level. If they’re playing at Orlando City Stadium, I like to go and watch them, especially since they have a lot of young talent. Following soccer is one of my biggest passions.

OFM: Do you have any hopes of playing professionally?
BS: It would be a dream to play professionally. I’ve always thought it would be incredible to play overseas one day. But playing for either of the Los Angeles clubs in MLS would be an unreal experience.

OFM: Can you tell us about your college choice?
BS: I visited about 10 schools; I was looking for a school that had high academic rigor as well as a good soccer program, and I ended up committing to Wheaton College, outside of Chicago. I’m super excited to go there and very honored to have the opportunity to play there. But right now I just want to focus on this season and winning games.

OFM: How do you feel about leaving the warm weather for the harsh Illinois winters?
BS: I like the cold sometimes, but it’s certainly going to be an adjustment. It’s going to be a new, fun experience and an adventure for me. I’m glad to get out of my comfort zone and experience a whole different world.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
BS: I’m not sure what I want to study yet. I’ve always thought that I would like to study business at some point, but right now I’m taking a psychology class that is pretty interesting. We’ll see.

OFM: Aside from the weather, what do you think you’ll miss from home when you go away?
BS: I’m definitely going to miss my family. I love being around my family and my extended family, because a lot of them live here. I think I’m also going to miss my friends from Lake Highland. I’ve been fortunate to make a lot of good friends here.

OFM: What do you love about Lake Highland?
BS: I’m fortunate to be a student-athlete at Lake Highland. Being at the school with other high-level students and teachers is something that I’m thankful for. Considering his international career, coach Jeremy Christie has created an incredible soccer culture that includes work ethic and a sense of family.

OFM: What are your hobbies when you’re not playing soccer?
BS: I’ve played basketball for almost as long as I’ve played soccer, so I still like to play basketball with my friends or my brother, who’s in 10th grade at Lake Highland.

Ella Simpson, The First Academy soccer
A senior forward and captain, Simpson is coming off a memorable junior season in which she exploded for 54 goals and 27 assists. One of the most dangerous playmakers in the area, she will look to lead The First Academy to a district title this winter.

OFM: After a huge junior season, what are your goals for your final campaign?
ES: I just want to work together as a team and make the district playoffs this year. We got moved up to 2A, so we’re playing a different group of teams than we have been for the past four years. We have to work together and build a strong training environment so we can do well at district playoffs.

OFM: I know you won district titles your freshman and sophomore seasons. Do you think this year’s team has the potential to compete for a district championship?
ES: Of course. We had a lot of people graduate, but we have a lot of good, young club players who are really vital to our team this year as playmakers. I’m really excited to see what we can do as a team this year, and I think they’re going to be very good after I graduate.

OFM: With the numbers you put up last season, did it just feel like you were in a zone all year?
ES: Yes. My coach had been telling me to take more shots and test the keeper, so I just started shooting more and I guess I was really successful.

OFM: What led you to commit to Samford for college?
ES: I went and visited and immediately felt like it was the place I needed to be. It’s such a great school and soccer program. I like the feeling of being the underdog and playing all these SEC and ACC schools and actually beating them.

OFM: Are you excited to live in Alabama and experience a different state?
ES: I’m so excited. I wanted to go out of state to get a change of scenery and experience a different area, but I didn’t want to go too far. I wanted to stay somewhat close so I could make a trip home if I needed to.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
ES: I think I’m going to study exercise science. I’ve always loved science and working with athletes, and there are so many different tracks you can take with exercise science. My mom is a [physical therapist], so I’ve gotten to be around that environment and she’s helped me through some injuries.

OFM: Aside from soccer, you seem to be involved in a lot of different groups and clubs at school. Is that important to you?
ES: It’s so important. I’m the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Club at school and I’m also an officer in the Wounded Warriors Club. I love it because we can reach so many different people. I love being a leader and working with my peers on and off the field.

OFM: When you get some free time, what do you do for fun?
ES: Recently, I’ve been trying to learn how to play the guitar. My dad had a guitar, and in the summer I started learning how to play for fun. I also like hanging out with my family and my friends.

OFM: What kind of music are you playing on the guitar?
ES: I play alternative, like “Riptide” by Vance Joy, some John Mayer.

OFM: Is it true that you recently met some of the members of the Orlando Pride?
ES: Yes. I got connected through some of my club coaches, who knew the coaches there. They invited me to warm up with them before [an exhibition match], be in the locker room before the game, and actually put on a jersey and go in the game. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I’m so thankful for that.

OFM: Which players left an impression on you?
ES: I was talking to Ali Krieger about being a defender and being on the national team. She gave me some advice and that was really cool. Sydney Leroux, who was just coming back from being pregnant, also gave me some tips and made me feel welcome. A lot of the new girls who just graduated college, like Morgan Reid from Duke, were really nice to me too.

OFM: I’m sure you followed the World Cup closely this past summer. Were there any particular players you liked to watch from the national team?
ES: I love Julie Ertz. She’s such a strong player and she can play so many different roles. She starts at center back and is really powerful there, but if they need to move her up to score a goal at the end of a game, she can do that. She’s my favorite player. I also like Kelley O’Hara playing out of the back, because I play outside back for my club team and we’re similar.

OFM: Do you have professional aspirations yourself?
ES: I’ve always thought it would be cool to go play overseas for a year or two, and try one of the many leagues over there. Obviously, I would love to play professionally in the United States in the NWSL.

OFM: What do you like about growing up in Florida?
ES: I love going to the beach. My grandmother lives in St. Augustine, so I’ve always been able to visit and enjoy the beach.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s November 2019 issue.