CHANDLER FEYTE- SHEPHERD JR. HIGH

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name Is Chandler Feyte. I'm 5'11, in the 9th grade at Shepherd Jr. High in Mesa, Arizona. I play basketball and run track.

Why is basketball your favorite sport?
Basketball is my favorite sport because it is very competitive and fast paced. The things I am best at are my defense, ability to shoot, and my work ethic

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I need to work on my ball handling and finesse passing when being tightly guarded.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is Arizona State because it is close to home and their basketball program is really getting good.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
My work ethic, my IQ of the game, my ability to be coached, and my competitiveness will be far greater than anyone you've seen.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Whenever you're playing bad or get frustrated, just gather yourself, make a plan and go play ball.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz!!!!!!

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.

MICHAEL ABRAMS- BELLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Michael Abrams, and I play offensive center for Bellaire High School. I am currently a junior, and I have a 3.8 GPA but haven't taken my SAT/ACT yet. I am 6"2 and weigh 265 pounds. My bench max is 300, squat max is 515, deadlift max is 500. My 40 time is 5.5, shuttle time is 4.8, and 100 meter time is 14 seconds. I am still trying to be recruited, and have not committed to anywhere yet.

What was your best game?
It's hard to choose my best game because all of my games are important to me. I think the best games I will have will be this year, when I try and lead my team to the play-offs for the first time in about 5 years.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Education is important to me because you are going to need it to get any job that you apply for. Also, sports allow you to get a free college education, so that only helps you for later on in life.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To make myself better I will lift weights to be stronger, to block for the backfield, so that we can score a touchdown. Also, I can run more to get faster and have better endurance and stamina, so I can last longer on the field if there is a long drive on the field.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is the University of Houston. It was where my mom and dad went, and I want to go there too. I want to play football there and not only win a C-USA championship, hopefully get a BCS bid and win the national championship.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would tell them that I could bring a solid offensive linemen to the team. I would bring heart and intensity to the team. Also, I would give my all at every drill that we did.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Work hard on the field/court, but also work just as hard in the classroom.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Shout out to SoSportz for spending the time to help get my name out there. Keep it up.

LAUREN AVANT- LAUSANNE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Lauren Avant, an 18-year-old Senior at Lausanne Collegiate School. I'm a 5'9", 150 pound true point guard that can convert to a combo guard at any time. I've been playing basketball since I was five or six, been on the competitive aau/exposure circuit since I was 9. I committed to play for Pat Summit and the Lady Vols on Thanksgiving of my freshman year. I have a 4.7 GPA and plan on becoming an Orthopedic Doctor after graduating from Tennessee. I suffered from a severe shoulder injury so I didn't play on the circuit this summer and only played a couple high school games, so I missed out on alot of events and camps I was invited to.

What was your best game?
It's hard to choose a single game out of my entire career that's 'best'. I personally think my best games are when I'm able to get my teammates involved; one game I had 21 assists. My first high school game back after my shoulder injury, I had a quadruple double, so if I had to pick, it'd be one of those games.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important to me because I know that this day in age that sports can pay for your education, and you need an education to succeed in life and have a steady income. Sports also influence education becomes sometimes you need that instinctive competitive nature that only sports can give you to want to better yourself in life, which starts in the classroom.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To better myself in my sport, I'd first have to get healthy so I can actually produce. Then I'd like to work on my leadership skills and qualities because I understand the importance of a point guard being vocal and also leading by example. Lastly, I'd like to not only increase my worth ethic but also increase the work ethic of the players around me.

How do you make your team better?
I think I make my team better by bringing a fiery intensity and just pure energy to the game every night. I'm not afraid to mix it up with the guards or the big men; I’m just a scrappy guard. I'm also very unselfish, so I like to get my teammates in the game by delivering accurate passes in the shooting pocket because I understand that truly makes a difference and just getting them in the position to score points. I also like to have fun playing, which is rare now, and I think that relaxes the team.

How do you feel about being a future Lady Volunteer?
I honestly can't wait to get up there. I feel like it's been forever since I've committed, and I can't wait to get up there to play. I was born a Lady Vol; it's always been my dream school and pretty much the only school so I plan on making the best of this opportunity.

How was the recruiting process?
The recruiting process was hectic. It started in like 8th grade; my AAU coach was my stepfather, so they could contact us legally. Then I started getting contacted illegally, and NCAA ended up checking my phone bill monthly. They came to my house and investigated. It was crazy, and that's part of the reason it ended so early. It's really hard getting to know all of these coaches and realizing how they're just great people, then choosing another school. The recruiting process is just stressing.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
If I could tell student athletes anything, I would tell them to value their education and to take advantage of all of these scholarships and to look into the academic section of the schools and not just the athletics portion because academics will always be useful and athletics can only take you so far. But while you have the opportunity to be an athlete, take full advantage of that too and work as hard as you can to be the best. Time management is essential in being the best student-athlete on any level so learn it as early as possible, and last but not least, don't let anyone tell you what you can't do or what you're too young to do; try your best to prove everyone wrong.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thank you SoSportz for creating this awesome website with loads of information and also for creating an awesome facebook page to relate to the young student athletes across the nations. Keep it up!