ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Zoe Spears

She may be just an eighth-grader at Central Florida Christian Academy, but Zoe Spears has been a force to be reckoned with all season for the Lady Eagles girls basketball team. A talented player on both ends of the floor, Spears has led CFCA in scoring this season and has several double-digit scoring games to her credit, making her our choice for Athlete of the Week.

What’s your hometown?

Orlando.

How long have you been playing basketball, and how did you get started?

Five years. My dad decided I should play, and I didn’t really think so at first, so I went out and tried for the Junior Magic. They said I need to keep working hard, and that’s why I’m where I’m at now.

What do you like about playing basketball?

I love working with my teammates and working hard, trying to get a basket and trying to get my team to districts.

What’s it like as an eighth-grader on varsity when some of the girls you are playing against are 17 and 18 years old?

I just try to play to the best of my ability; play like they play. I don’t think about my age and my grade too much.

How do you think you’ve done this season?

I think I’ve done pretty good.

How do you think the team has done, and where do you feel the team can improve?

We’ve been doing well; we’ve just got to work on the offensive end. We’re a defensive team, so if we work on our offense, put that together, we’ll be pretty good.

What do you like about playing for coach Charlita Williamson?

She’s a great coach; she pushes me to do my best. I’m thankful for having more years to play for her.

Districts are nearing — how optimistic are you about your chances?

I believe if we work hard on defense and come out strong, we’ll be good whichever team we play.

What’s your favorite gym you’ve played an away game in this season?

I love Foundation (Academy’s) gym. They have a nice gym, and their floors are pretty nice.

Who is your favorite NBA or college player? And why?

I love LeBron James — I’m a LeBron James fan. He’s very aggressive in (the paint), and he can shoot outside; he looks for his teammates.

Because you like LeBron, are the Cleveland Cavaliers your favorite team?

I mean, I like the Orlando Magic. I’m just a LeBron fan — I don’t like (the Cavaliers).

What’s your favorite sport here at CFCA to go out and support?

I like softball — I think the girls did pretty good last year.

What’s your favorite class?

I love science; I’m a science person. 

So what would you like to be when you grow up?

I really want to be a doctor, and if I can’t do that, then I’m looking to be a science teacher in college or high school.

What’s your favorite show on television?

I really don’t watch TV like that. But I would say anything that really comes on Disney Channel is really funny.