- April 28, 2024
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An All-Metro team selection last season, Finlay Prain is a three-year starting midfielder at West Orange High, who just so happens to be capping off his senior season with a bang — through nine games he’s scored 17 goals and dished out six assists.
Beyond his statistics, Prain’s play and experience are some of the biggest factors that have led West Orange to its 6-2-1 start. With the playoffs on the horizon, expect Prain and the Warriors to be a factor in Class 7A.
THE BASICS
Age: 18
Sport: Soccer
Grade: Senior
School: West Orange High
Q&A
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It’s extremely exciting to receive this award. This is certainly one of the highlights of my high school career.
What do you like the most about playing soccer?
I don’t think I can narrow it down. I love it. It’s been my entire life since before I can remember.
What is your goal for this season, for yourself and the team?
A goal for myself is to do anything I can to help out my team on and off the field. A goal for the team would be to win states. That’s, of course, what we’ve been working so hard for.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from soccer?
I’ve learned that no matter what happens, you and your team always need to be there for (one another).
Who is your favorite soccer player?
My favorite soccer player is Alejandro Garnacho. I love the way he plays with passion and the person he is on and off the pitch.
Who do you try to model your game after?
I try to be the best player I can, and trying to be the best would be trying to model my game after Lionel Messi.
Favorite soccer memory?
My favorite soccer memory was being named the top team in MLS at the Dallas (Generation Adidas) Cup with Orlando City.
What is your go-to pregame meal?
The night before I try to carb load — typically some form of pasta.
What is your go-to pregame hype song?
My go-to pregame song would be “Real” by Notion.
What is your favorite non-soccer hobby?
My favorite non-soccer hobby is undoubtedly golf.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite school subject is math. It’s been something I’ve been good at all my life, and I enjoy working with numbers.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I would bring a soccer ball to keep me entertained, a book and probably my phone.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is easily “The Wolf of Wall Street.” I don’t think there’s any particular reason. I just really enjoy it.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I’d want to have dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo. I’d enjoy hearing his story on how he made it from nothing.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I’d go back to 2014, so I can rewatch my favorite World Cup live.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
To work as hard as you can in everything you do.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I’d ask my future self, “Do you have any regrets?” So I can try and prevent/fix them.
Who is your favorite superhero?
My favorite superhero is Spider-Man, because he is funny and has unique powers.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
My favorite supervillain is Loki. He’s funny and has interesting powers, too.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I’d want to be able to fly; I feel like it’d be an amazing feeling.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?
I’d go to Switzerland, because I’ve heard it’s beautiful; Barcelona, because it seems fun; and Park City, because I enjoy snowboarding.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?
I’d be a lion because they are my favorite animal.
What is your most controversial food take?
I put ranch on everything.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
NO.
Send Athlete of the Week nominations to Sam Albuquerque, Sports Editor for the Orange Observer. Please contact him with story ideas, results and statistics.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @SamBAlbuquerque
Instagram: @OrangeObserverSam
