Published: April 07, 2006 10:04 am      

1-on-1 Derian Adams

Next time you use the word tough, picture this sophomore from the Jackson High School Lady Devils soccer team. For two seasons she’s been taking soccer balls off her head, opponents’ cleats off of her shins and occasionally a nasty head butt or elbow to the jaw. No matter how nasty the injury seems to be she always bounces back for more. Once a defender, her new position and 20-plus saves between the posts last Thursday helped the Lady Devils score their first victory of the season against Griffin. We thought that we could sneak one in the corner, but as she did against Griffin she blocked our shot and sent us back to the bench to think of new ideas. This week we go 1-on-1 with Derian Adams.

C.F.: If you could live anywhere other than the United States, where would it be? Why?

D.A.: Australia because it’s pretty and they have really cool accents.

What is your favorite song, and movie?

My favorite song is “What I’ve Been Waiting For” by Zac Efron, and a lot of people think this movie is lame, but I love High School Musical on the Disney Channel.

Who is your favorite athlete?

[British soccer player] David Beckham. He is really good and super hot!

If you could date any celebrity who would it be?

Ryan Goslin from the movie The Notebook.

Coke or Pepsi?

I love Coke!

Georgia or Georgia Tech?

Georgia! You can’t live in the south and not like Georgia!

Who is your favorite sports team or franchise?

Manchester United soccer team in England.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

My friend and me made a dance video and someone found it and put it on the morning news at school.

If a movie was made about you what actor would best play your part?

I would say Brittany Murphy. I really like her!

If you could have any job, what would it be?

I want to be a psychologist.

What cartoon character would you compare yourself to? Why?

Tweety Bird. I loved Tweety Bird when I was little.

Where is your favorite place to eat and what is your favorite dish?

Any Italian restaurant and spaghetti.

What is your greatest athletic achievement?

Playing varsity soccer as a ninth-grader and making it to the state playoffs.

Other than a Wal-Mart, what is something that you would like to see come to Jackson?

A Starbucks so we could get coffee before school everyday.

If you could compete against any professional athlete, in any sport, who would it be and what would you play?

I would play soccer against Mia Hamm.

What is your biggest fear?

Snakes. I hate them. I even have nightmares about them.

What is your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

I really like History. I don’t like Math because I’m bad at it.

Looking back, can you choose a favorite coach who has helped you in your career?

Either Dean Griffin or Kevin Shivers. They have both taught me a lot.

What is your favorite television show?

I absolutely love “Gilmore Girls.”

What is the best quote or saying that you’ve ever heard and who said it?

“The only person you have to compete against is yourself.” Hillary Raines told me that.

What material possession can you not live without?

My cell phone. I’m always talking or texting.

If you had a $1,000 to spend in any store, where would you spend it?

PacSun on clothes.

What is one thing no one knows about you?

I can’t tell you because then everybody would know.