AISHA FOY- WILSON HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Aisha Foy and I'm 15 years old. I'm a sophomore at Wilson High school in Portsmouth, Virginia. I started at point guard this past year. I play AAU for Boo Williams Elite 15U. I love basketball and it's my passion. I'm funny, fun to be around, and love to hangout with my friends!

What was your best game?
Had to be vs. Lake Taylor at Wilson. 16 points, 11 assists, 5 steals. We lost 57-46

Why are sports/education important to you?
When I see D1 basketball players playing on tv and getting a free college education, I see the life I want to have.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Practice,train hard, become stronger and smarter on the court, listen and have a good attitude!

What is your dream college?
Any Big time D1 college that's willing to give me a free education to play basketball!

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I will dedicate myself to my team by working hard. As a point guard, I will be a leader and know how to get the ball to my teammates and make smart decisions. I will be the coach on the floor.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
It's never to early to start thinking about college and going to the next level. 8th grade is a good time to work hard, train, and work hard in the CLASSROOM!

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanx SoSportz!!

ALLSWELL OPUSUNJU- MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I am currently a sophomore recently injured, cracked ankle joint, on October 2009 at the Glen Oaks game. I Love football and will do whatever it takes to get to the next level.

What was your best game?
Donaldsonville, it's when I had my first reception. It was an ugly pass and I adjusted in the air to make the catch. After I caught it, I got stamped in the air.

Why are sports/education important to you?
School comes first. I have to get my grades straight if I plan on getting to the next level. I am ranked 58/305 in my class and my GPA is a 3.1 for my entire 2 years of high school.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I work hard. Sometimes I cry because I work so hard and don't get far but that just tells me I'm not going hard enough so I push myself even more. I need to work on my footwork. I know I might not be the tallest slot receiver, so I'm going to need quicker feet and I need to be able to move quick like a running back. My dad kicked me off the football team and I feel that he doesn't think I can make it. I took that and used it as motivation so I played in that game against Glen Oaks, hiding, coming home from games late, and sneaking in the house. One Friday night, I came back with a cracked ankle and that shows not only you that's reading this but everyone else that I will not give up no matter who tells me I'm too small or I'm not good enough.

What is your dream college?
My dream college would be TCU. It's not that far from home and I would be honored to where purple.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would definitely bring leadership to the table and will improve the defensive backs position because I will go 101 percent. I would also make the team bond more, become one body, play as one body, one mind, and one Team.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Stay humble and love what you do. From my perspective don't let anyone tell you you can't make it. Just have faith and keep believing because GOD has a plan for you.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I'd like to give a shout out to SoSportz! Thank your for the opportunity to show how bad I want to get to the next level!

AMIN TAHERI- CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
Hi my name is Amin Taheri. I am a sophomore at Cheshire High School and I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. I feel in love with the game when my dad handed me a ball and I never stopped playing since. I first started out as a goalie and then moved to the field. The reason I changed positions wasn't because I wasn't good, it was because we had too many goalies at our school. I played goalie for a top team in our state and I gave that up because I thought I didn't have a shot at making our school team. I tore my ACL and Meniscus on December 13th 2009.

What was your best game?
My best game was more like a best tournament. It was an indoor tournament at this arena and it was my first time playing with the older players. I had such an amazing tourny that the coach offered me a spot on the team.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important to me because I believe that if you do well in both you will be a very successful person in life. For example, if I just cared about sports, there's a chance I could get hurt and lose everything I worked for and then there won't be a backup plan since I let go of school.

What can you do yo make yourself better in your sport?
I think I can become better in my sport by working hard and achieving things that others can't even dream of. I work day and night to turn myself into the best player possible.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is UCONN. I don't think I'm good enough to get there now but if I work as hard as I am now my dream might come true.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would tell the college coach that I would bring more intensity then anyone else that he has seen before. I will bring passion and love for the game to the field and off of it also.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
The best advice I can give student athletes is to remember that they are just that, STUDENT-athletes, there's a reason that student comes first and they need to know that. People care too much about their sport and don't care enough about there education these days.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I thought my shot at getting recognized as a player was done, until I found SoSportz. With the exposure they give players, I now think that I have a shot at playing soccer in college.

CLINT LOTHROP- AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Clint Lothrop and I'm in 11th grade at Auburn High School in Alabama. I'm 17 years old, 5'10", 175 pounds. I have lived in Alabama most of my life. Soccer is my passion as well as working with wild animals. I'm hoping to voulunteer at the Montgomery(Al) zoo this summer and being around people. I have been playing soccer since I could walk. In the 8th grade I got thrown into goal because the goalkeeper got hurt. I love the position and have played goalkeeper ever since. I wasn't very good until this year. I trained twice a day for 2 hours each over the summer. I trained once by myself, once with my Goalkeeper James Pudner, and I also attended multiple camps over the summer. My two favorite camps were Ralph Lundy Soccer Academy and UAB soccer camp. Now, I'm playing for the Alabama Olympic Developement Team. I left the country and played youth professional in Trinidad and Tobago under coaches Ralph Lundy and Anton Corneal. I'm also nominated to play in the Alabama North vs. South All-star game.

What was your best game?
On March 8th we traveled to Alexander City for the what turned out to be my best game ever. I made great saves throughout the game and we controlled the ball well in the first half with cheap fouls between both teams. Most of my saves came off of corner kicks and one was a free kick. I was being loud and demanding which I am but never like this. After that, we moved into the first overtime and one of there players tried to take me out of the game by kicking me in the face. It shook me but I knew I had to stay in the game. We played the second overtime and the score was still 0-0, so we moved into Pks. It's all down to me and Ben Russells keeper. Everyone is just saying have no worry, we dont expect anything of you Clint, as it is my first year starting varsity. We shoot first and score. I'm in goal I make a good save so now we're up by one goal. We score again and I stop the second one. It goes on to eight shots and one of my good friends who plays club against us takes the shot against me and misses the goal. It was the best feeling I have ever had in my life. It was great! After we're done celebrating I notice their keeper is crying so it was custom to go comfort him. that was the best hour bus ride home, that was my best game ever.

Why are sports/education important to you?
I think everyone should play sports, but we also need a good education. I want to be highly educated and go either into medicine or zoology. Sports builds friendships, that will last a lifetime. I'm very close to everyone who I have ever played with and keep in touch with all players who've graduated. Sports also teaches leadership. There is a need for leaders in the real world. Sports can definitely help any person in that area. I believe everyone needs to get a good education. I slacked off in ninth and tenth grade and it hit me how serious I need to be about my grades. I study very hard and have gone from a 2.5 gpa to a 3.4. My goal is atleast a 3.7 before the end of my senior year. I think everyone should try in high school and work for a college degree.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I train every day with a coach after practice. In the morning, I do lots of sit ups and push ups, because that is what my position calls for. I spend most of my summer time training and at camps.

What is your dream college?
I have two, it depends on what i go into, I am leaning towards Zoology and I would love to go to UCSD (San Diego) but if I go into medicine, I would love to go to UAB, and play at both colleges.

If a college coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would say I needed to be more vocal and more of a team leader because that is what it takes in my position to make the team great.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
When I was in Tobago Coach Bertiel St. Claire, whom was one of the national coaches of T&T, told me that one of the best professional players in history, Dwight Yorke, didn't start playing the sport until he was 14. He had the "HUNGER" and he trained twice a day as I do. All I can say is train hard and treat your body right. Eat healthy, stay away from fast food, fatty foods, drugs and alcohol which will ruin your career. I've seen it happen before.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I love SoSportz! I love all the updates of all the sports going on around America, you guys have a great program going on and I love you guys!!!

KEITH DEARDEN- THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
Hello my name is Keith Dearden. I'm currently a Jr. at The Pennington School. I play quarterback, punter, and kicker for the football team. I was all state second team and prep player of the year. I broke the school record throwing for 1439 yards this past season. Im 6 foot 1 and weigh 180 pounds. I have a 3.5 GPA and recieved a 1500 between all three sections on my SAT.

What was your best game?
My Best game was against Calvery Christian Academy. In this game I threw for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Why are sports/education important to you?
My whole family played sports and one went pro, so sports are my life. I love sports and my goal is to continue the legacy of my family's name and do something with my talent. I'm also very big on education because sports don't last forever and I need a back up plan so I can have a great life.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can continue to work hard and practice everyday so that the things I need to do in a game situation become second nature. When I need to do something at a certain time in a game it will just come to me. I need to prepare myself for the next level so that I'm ready for the next step.

What is your dream college?
I would love to play high D-1 AA and contend for a D-1AA championship atleast once in my four years. If I can go to a Texas or Alabama I would love too but I want to just play competitive football in college. That's the goal. So a Villanova, Deleware, or a Richmond would be ideal.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I will be a leader and I will lead the team to where it needs to be. I will step up and take the leadership role for everything the team does and make it the best it can be. I have the drive to win and there is nothing that's going to stop me from winning every game I play. I'm a winner and I want to win to help the team and school be the best it can be.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To work hard because there are alot of spots out there for the taking and if you work hard you will accomplish your goals. work hard cause theres always someone working harder to take your spot so if you want it work hard. also get your work done because I have seen too many stories on the news about people who can't play because of grades. Get it done in the classroom first, that's most important.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz is a great website and the best sports site out there!

ANTHONY GAFFNEY- THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Anthony Gaffney. I'm a 6'2" 180 lb. 16 year old junior from The Pennington School in Pennington, NJ. I'm a tri-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track. I play multiple positions in football and basketball, and in track I run the 200, the 4x400, the 110 hurdles, and the long jump.

What was your best game?
I'd say my best game was against Springfield, Pa. I had a ton of receptions and two tds. The first touchdown was a punt return where I hurdled one of their players on the sideline before breaking three more tackles to score. The next was a receiving td.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important because its an outlet for me. I'm using my God given athletic ability to help get myself a scholarship so I can get a degree. At some point in my life, the ball is going to stop bouncing. I'm going to need my eduction so I can be successful in life, and if I can use sports to get a free education, then that's exactly what I'm going to do.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To make myself better, I or anyone out there has to do things that no one else is doing. In order to be special, you have to be different. You can't do what everyone else is doing. You have to do that little extra. By doing so, you'll make yourself better. Simple things, like doing extra reps while working out or getting up early to go for run. They may seem simple but they go a long way.

What is your dream college?
I'd say my dream schools are Stanford and UVA. They both have great programs, but the education that goes along with that is incredible.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I'd tell the coach that I'd have to lead by example. If you stand out as a leader, others will follow suit. By stepping up and leading your team, they will get better. By challenging your teammates every day, they have no choice but to step up their play.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To other student athletes, I'd have to say to make sure you stay grounded. No matter how many schools are recruiting you, don't get a big head. Keep focus on your school work and whatever responsibilities you have at home and everything will fall into place. Also, don't let up. Keep working so that you stay on top of your game.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
And to SoSportz, thanks for the opportunity. I'm glad you guys gave me the chance to let my voice be heard. You guys do a lot for guys like myself, letting us be known in the sports community. And to everybody else out there, if you're in the area, make sure you come check us out next year. I'll be sure to put on a show.

ANTHONY GALLEGOS- SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Anthony Gallegos. I am a senior at Seven Lakes High School. I am 5’9 and weigh 160. I started at Cornerback, and I want to continue playing football in College.

What was your best game?
My best game was against Mayde Creek High School. It was the game I finally got to returned to the field after being out for three weeks with a broken elbow. I broke up a pass that put us into a four-overtime slugfest and I finished the game with 12 tackles and 3 pass breakups. I won the weekly Defensive MVP award for that game.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports, because I live for competition and making myself better. Education because I value the importance of it and I want to be fully prepared for my future career.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Continue to get stronger and faster in the offseason.

What is your dream college?
Any Division 1 school or wherever I can get a scholarship.

If a College Coach asked you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I am a leader that will do whatever it takes to be successful and bring greatness to your program.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Never look back. Have confidence on game day, keep God first, and work hard in the off-season!

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
S O S P O R T Z ! ! ! ! !

CHRIS TAYLOR- FOUNDER OF SOSPORTZ

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Chris Taylor, the Founder/CEO of SoSportz. I’m from Memphis, TN. I went to Cordova High School, class of 2002. After graduating from Indiana University in 2005, I played running back for the Houston Texans during the 2006-2008 seasons and I’m currently a member of the New England Patriots. For me, playing at the professional level has been a dream come true. My dream is also to help young people reach their goals in any way I can. I’m very passionate about sports and helping people, that’s why I’m starting SoSportz. This will allow student-athletes to get FREE exposure to college coaches, help you academically, and help you become great people in society.

What was your best game?
My best game would probably be against the University of Kentucky my senior year in college. I had 17 carries for 176 yards in 3 quarters. I caught cramps in both of my calves in the middle of the 3rd quarter and couldn't finish the game because the cramps would not go away. I hate those cramps! Lol!

Why are sports/education important to you?
I started playing sports at the age of 4. Sports are so important to me because they have taught me so much. At a young age I was always taught to view sports as a tool that teaches. Sports teach so many life skills and that’s part of the reason I have a passion for sports the way that I do. It has taught me how to be a team player, leadership, dedication, discipline, hard work, and so many other attributes. Education is the key to success. Sometimes we get so consume with our sport, we forget about the big picture. I can’t play sports forever, that’s just the reality. That’s why I always say to put the same hard work and passion in your education as you do in your sport. My education will take me so much farther in life than sports and that is something I want to instill in the SoSportz Athletes.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Never be satisfied. Work hard everyday on all my skills to be the best player I can be.

What was your dream college?
My dream college was the University of Tennessee. I had always dreamed of running on the field wearing that orange and white. I ended up going to Indiana University which was a better fit for me for football and academically. I’m proud to be a Hoosier!

If a Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I will bring tenacity and passion to the team as a running back and a special teams player. I’m going to come to work each day ready to work. When it gets hard, I will work harder! I’m a TEAM player, it’s not about me. It’s all about doing whatever I can to help the TEAM win. Having more points on the scoreboard than our opponent at the end of the game is all that matters to me.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
If you have dreams in life, and you work hard to make those dreams become a reality, anything is possible. Never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. God has blessed us all with different talents and abilities and we can’t let those go to waste. Put yourself around people who do the right things and want to be successful in life. Education, Education, Education!

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I’m very excited about SoSportz! I hope it helps everyone and everyone enjoys it! “SUCCESS IS CONTAGIOUS”

NICK MELOSKY- WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Nick Melosky. I am a Sophomore this year at Whitehall High School, in PA. Wear #11, play PG-SG. I'm 6'3' and 170 lbs. I am a hard worker and strive to be the best. I play hard and am a leader. Basketball is my passion and will make any team better. In the gym on and off season mostly everyday working hard. Play aau as well around the country and want to play college basketball.

What was your best game?
I would have to say for HS at Liberty, who is a very good team in the state, had 21 points, 6 assis, 6 boards or AAU when we played at Rutger's RAC in a tournament and I went for 25 on 5 3-pointers and got a win against a good Team Final team.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and school are both important to me because they will get me somewhere in my life and help me succeed on my own. I work hard in the classroom to keep my grades up and make high honors. I know that will help me when entering college. I also work hard at basketball because I love it and want to be the best I can be. I want to play on a D1 level so i train very hard to get there.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I train with my coaches and trainers. Lifting weights, speed training, agility, and strength. I also shoot a lot of shots in the gym with my coach in the off-season to improve my shooting and practice in the gym on and off season a lot to refine my game. You have to put a good effort in to get better.

What is your dream college?
My dream college would be Villanova University or Syracuse University. They both have good programs and in good conference. I like their coaches as well.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would say I am a leader and will take control on the court. I keep everyone in check and always want to win. I also work hard to get better and that will rub off on my teammates. I have dedication to a program as well and am an all-around good student athlete.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Work hard and set your goals high. Dont be afraid to have dreams. Will hard work and dedication you can do anything. Push for what you want to do in life and make smart choices. Keep your grades high and plan out your future.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz! Good program that helps all student-athletes get to a college level! Check it out!

JAY MANNING- MCINTOSH HIGH SCHOOL

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Jay Manning a junior guard at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, Georgia. I'm 6'3, 160 lbs shooter and slasher with a 6'5 wingspan and 32 inch vertical. My position is PG, SG, SF. I'm averaging 14 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and 3.2 asg ..from San Antonio, Texas and have been playing ball since the age of 4.

What was your best game?
My best game may be when I went 7-10 from the 3point line to finish with 27, or the game when I put up 21 points, 12, rebounds, and 8 assists.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Education is especially important to me because it is so essential in life whether I major in the business field or in education. Sports(mainly basketball) has been a major part of my life and I see myself never stopping.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
There is never a point where " I am good enough" to stop practicing, so I believe hard work in the gym and weight room will give me the advantage against players who think they are already at the next level.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is UNC, but closely behind is UGA, GT. I'm really working to play D-1 College ball for any powerhouse.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I can say that I'm willing to accept my role whether it's starting my first year, or if im redshirted. I'm willing to be a vocal leader and will bring determintation and heart to the game as well as to the team. I plan to be ready physically and mentally so that my teammates can always depend on me whether on the offensive or defensive end.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To maintain the grades, because without them you have no options. Also to never quit or think you are good enough, because there is always room for improvement.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO SoSportz!!! They really look out for all student-athletes!

Check out this article on Jay (Male Athlete of the Week): http://sou.nn.marietta.new.adqic.com/stories/Male-Athlete-of-the-Week,167318