Millbrook High School, 18 years old, 3rd year student
Sports: Soccer.Position: Goalkeeper
Parents: Linda Decker and Jason Decker
Birthplace: Winchester
What do you like about soccer?: I like the competitive spirit and teamwork, meeting and working with teammates along the way.
Most memorable soccer moment: Two years ago, my travel team, Blue Ridge United, and I won one of our first tournaments, the Capital Falls Classic in Richmond. It was a very good moment for us and brought us all together.
Most embarrassing moment in soccer: When I was a sophomore playing for Millbrook High School, I was playing against Takarola. They were running the ball across the 18-yard box and I tripped over my shoelaces. All my teammates turned around and started laughing at me.
Toughest moment in soccer: My favorite coach [Scott Hackett] died [in 2021]. He was one of my traveling coaches and he passed away from a pretty bad heart condition. It was really difficult for me to deal with this issue during my career as a football player. Because he really helped me want to play soccer and play better at my position.
People I could have dinner with, living or dead: My great-grandfather, Pap Cage. He was one of the best people I've ever met and one of my father's favorite people. He was a very nice guy. He gave me stuffed animals every time we met. He passed away when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Robin Williams. He was one of my favorite actors. I liked many of his movies. Doubtfire. ” I grew up watching a lot of his movies. And Kevin Hart. He's really funny and fun to watch his show.
My biggest influence athletically was my sister Amanda.She played four years at Millbrook and graduated [in 2022]. She is the reason I started playing soccer. She really pushed me to my limits and gave me the best of her.
Favorite teacher: Mr. [Benjamin] Ratliff. He has been my math teacher for the past two years. He really helped me with my struggles with math and answered all the problems I had with math.
Favorite athlete: [U.S. women’s soccer player] sidney leroux
Favorite team: North Carolina Tar Heels
Favorite movie: Any of the Spider-Man series
Favorite TV show: “Shameless”
Favorite song: Billy Joel's “Vienna”
Favorite food: Pasta
Worst thing I've ever eaten: BeanBoozled jelly beans.of [vomit] One was very bad.
Plans after graduating from high school: Currently attending [Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg] To continue my academic career. I plan to study psychology there and maybe go into business.Hopefully I'll go [human resources] A path somewhere in that career field. I started taking psychology classes this year and was very interested in learning how people function and behave.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki
