Sherando High School 18-year-old senior

Sport: Soccer. Position: Midfielder

Parents: Saron and Terico Jensen

Hometown: Lichtenau, Germany (moved to Stephens City at age 12) 

What do you love about soccer?: I love the energy and the atmosphere that soccer brings. Growing up in Germany where the sport is such a big part of the culture, I was constantly around it. The environment just made me develop a passion for the game at a young age. 

Most memorable moment in soccer: My sophomore year on varsity, which was my first year on varsity. There were just a lot of big moments with the team. The bus rides home after away games, the team dinners. It wasn’t just one specific moment. It was the entire season, and the bond we built as a team that made it so meaningful to me. 

Most embarrassing moment in soccer: Also my sophomore year, I had an unfortunate moment where I scored on my own goal off a corner kick that deflected off my head. It was just frustrating for me at that time. I just took it as a learning experience and focused on improving my positioning and decision-making on set pieces in those situations. 

Most difficult moment in soccer: I was going through an ankle injury during my sophomore year toward the end of the season, which ended my season with about three or four games left. To me, it was a setback because I felt I was developing well at that point. After a couple of months of recovery, I was able to return to playing again. 

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Jesus Christ; he’s my Lord and Savior. Adam Sandler; he’s my favorite actor. Growing up watching Adam Sandler, I thought he was a really funny, humble person. I just enjoyed watching him in general. And Cristiano Ronaldo; he’s my favorite soccer player. I love how he plays, his hunger for the game and just his mindset on and off the field. 

Biggest athletic influence: My stepdad, Terico Jensen. When I moved here, he always helped me keep my motivation going for soccer. I wouldn’t be the player I am now if it wasn’t for him. He did everything for me, driving me everywhere for travel seasons. I’m grateful. 

Favorite teacher: At Sherando High School, Dr. [Susan] Saylor for chemistry. I had her my junior year. Out of all the years, she was probably the best teacher because of her personality, and she understood me and helped me a lot throughout the year. She made chemistry a fun class. I was locked in and excited to learn in her class. And she also motivated me for my soccer games. 

Favorite athlete: [Brazilian soccer player] Neymar Jr. 

Favorite team: Bayern Munich  

Favorite movie: “Rush Hour”

Favorite TV show: “Forever”

Favorite song: “TBH” by PARTYNEXTDOOR

Favorite food: My mom’s steak. I love all her food. 

Worst thing you’ve eaten: Canned tuna

Plans after high school: I’m looking into trade school, or joining a union to be an electrician and doing my education at Laurel Ridge at night. A second option I had in my mind is to move back to Germany to be with my original dad and study in Germany. As far as being an electrician, I like to do stuff with my hands and learning new skills that would help me in the future.  

— Compiled by Robert NiedzwieckiÂ