This Maryland high school player profiles series is presented by the U.S. Army.

Senior Savanah Thompson, a three-sport star at Wheaton High School, was nominated for the Maryland high school player profiles series by Knights girls’ soccer coach Travis Woodruff.

Thompson, a midfielder/striker, led Wheaton with 12 goals and four assists during her senior season this spring. She finished her high school career in style, scoring four goals in her final high school game, a 5-1 win against Paint Branch April 15.

“Savanah has stood out this past season on and off the field as a leader,” Woodruff said. “She’s also been the first person week in and week out to recognize the hard work of the defense and goalies.”

Thompson, who also played basketball and softball at Wheaton, answered a few questions about being nominated.

PressBox: How does it feel for your coach to recognize you for an honor like this?

Savanah Thompson: I’m really appreciative that he would honor me out of the team. There are a lot of people on the team who did really well this season, but it feels good to be recognized for my accomplishments on this team. I really enjoy it. It feels really nice.

PB: What would you most attribute to your success on the soccer field this season?

ST: The entire team in general. It’s not just one player. We’re an entire unit. This year, we really gelled together, developed good chemistry and talked well on the field, which was a key factor toward our success — and also, our coaching. They’re great.

PB: How did you prepare for this season not knowing there would even be one some months ago?

ST: I never really fully stopped sports altogether because I play sports outside of school, so I was able to stay in shape through those practices and games during those seasons. I was outdoors a lot, so I did lots of activities outdoors, avoiding the house.

PB: What was the anticipation like coming into this season and how excited were you to get on the field and play again for Wheaton?

ST: Originally, I didn’t think we were going to have a season because of COVID, and I was bummed. Leading up through your high school career, everyone talks about your senior season and senior night, playing those last few games. I didn’t think I was going to get that experience, but once they announced there was going to be a season, even though it was shortened, I was really happy I was going to be able to experience some of those things and have those memories with my team and coaches.

PB: What made you first fall in love with soccer and what kept you going in the sport?

ST: I started soccer when I was really young and I just liked the adrenaline rush of scoring goals or stop a key play on defense and that’s what’s really made me love the game the most.

PB: What’s been your favorite moment in soccer so far?

ST: For me, it was definitely being able to play with my younger sister on varsity this season. We had a lot of plays together and assisted each other this last season, and I just enjoyed playing with her. We have great chemistry on the field and I think it made for a much more memorable season, being able to spend those last few games and practices with her.

PB: How would you describe the leadership role you’ve had on the team and how did you get to that point?

ST: Even though I’m not a captain, I always tend to give speeches and other things to motivate the team before games or at halftime. I think I do it well to help get morale going. I’ve become more vocal as I’ve played and matured. As a senior, I’ve found that I’ve vocalized different things even more to the younger players to help solidify their mindset in games.

PB: What are your goals for the rest of your high school career, and do you have any early plans for after high school?

ST: I’ll be attending the University of Maryland this fall, and I plan to finish my business degree there and then go to law school and become a lawyer. As for sports, it’s up in the air if I want to continue them because of my academic career, but I love playing them and it’s a great outlet for me. I’m not really sure.

To nominate an athlete or team for a future U.S. Army Player/Team Profile, visit PressBoxOnline.com/Impact.

Photo Credit: Tony Kosiyachinda