Athlete of the Week: J.C. Lewis, West Orange soccer

West Orange boys soccer forward/midfielder John Christian “J.C.” Lewis is playing a pivotal role on the Warriors’ team this season. The junior leads the team in goals per match by averaging 1.8 and total points scored with 15. 

Lewis isn’t only an important scorer for the team, but also, he is No. 3 for the Warriors in assists (.3 per match). His soccer accomplishments came long before high school, when he was selected to play in London for a friendly tournament with U.S. Club Soccer. 

He has helped West Orange on its return to greatness following a regional final appearance last season. The team holds an 11-2-1 record and No. 2 in its district with two games remaining at time of publication. The Warriors are ranked No. 25 in the nation and No. 9 in Florida. 

What do you enjoy most about soccer? 

I enjoy the feeling of winning and the joyful nature of playing.

When did you start playing soccer and why did you join? 

I started playing soccer around 5 to 6 years old. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in soccer? 

My biggest accomplishment is reaching the round of 16 in the Generation Adidas Cup and playing Arsenal. 

What has soccer taught you? 

It has taught me patience, and it has revealed my winning mentality.  

How would you describe yourself as a teammate? 

I would describe myself as a very competitive, quiet guy who hates losing.

What advice would you give someone who just joined soccer? 

I would tell them to keep working hard as results come from effort. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?  

I would tell the team to give maximum effort and that the least a player can do is take care of the things that they can control. 

What’s your pre-game ritual? 

My pre-game ritual is a light meal two hours before the game, meditation and use of a massage gun.

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why? 

I would pick football because of my speed and athletic ability.  

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior the most out of any athlete due to his fame and how he carries himself. 

What is something new you’d like to learn? 

I would like to learn at least two new languages.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida? 

I would want to live in the United Kingdom, where soccer is the most competitive.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I would invest it for my future self and kids.

What is your favorite holiday? Why? 

My favorite holiday is Christmas because of the weather and it’s a holiday spent with friends and family.

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to ultimately be a professional soccer player.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

I think I would be famous for soccer or social media.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

I would choose a jaguar.

What is your perfect day? 

My perfect day is nice cool weather and no school. Also soccer practice in the afternoon and good beneficial meals throughout the day. 

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables?

I would rather eat only fruit.