Sports Spotlight – Winter Park/Maitland Observer: Soriah Smith

Maitland Middle School soccer player and team captain Soriah Smith helped the Golden Hawks reach a 7-1 record during the regular season and a cluster championship. The center back led the team’s stout defense, which only surrendered one goal the entire season — scored on a penalty kick.

How do you think you played this season?

Everybody has their mess ups, because nobody’s perfect, but I played very aggressively. I’m defense, so I have to play aggressively — nobody can get inside the box.

How did you first get into soccer?

I was doing dance before I did soccer, and I kind of just got uninterested in dance. My dad said, ‘Do you want to do a sport?’ I remember driving by a soccer field and saying, ‘Let’s try soccer.’ I was 8 at the time.

What do you like about playing soccer?

I love soccer because it’s a good mix of a technical sport and a contact sport at the same time. 

Do you have a favorite soccer player?

I have a few. I like Abby Wambach a lot.

Do you have a favorite sports team?

Florida State University!

What’s your favorite place to eat?

Probably home, because everybody cooks the best food at home. By everybody, I mean my mother.

What TV shows are you watching right now?

I watch “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Good Doctor” and “Stranger Things.”

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go to Japan. It’s in the top five most beautiful places on the planet.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could only bring three things, what would you bring?

I would bring a journal, a lighter and mosquito netting.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Dark chocolate Milky Way!

Cats or dogs?

Dogs, because I’ve always been a dog person. I love cats, but dogs are just so social, and they’re always happy to see you.