Soccer might not be the most popular sport at school, but junior Billy Blake is still turning heads after his recent performances. Blake scored three goals in the first half against reigning state champions Langley, one of which was within the first nine seconds. His success is nothing new, as Blake has been on the boy’s varsity team for three seasons and was selected for the Washington Post All-Met team as a sophomore. As a freshman, he was an integral part of the team that went all the way to the state championship, and Blake was recognized by local newspapers for dominating games during that season.

Q: How long have you been playing soccer?

A: As long as I can remember, at least since I was 4 or 5 years old. It’s always been my favorite sport and the sport I was best at.

Q: What do you do to improve skills between each season?

A:  I play high school and club soccer, so I don’t really have an offseason. Playing year-round is what really helps me improve my skills because I am always competing with other talented players and being taught by my coaches.

Q: Do you model your game after a particular professional player?

A: Yes, Philippe Coutinho. He used to play for my favorite club, Liverpool. He plays an attractive style of soccer that I really like. He plays the same position that I do and so that makes it easier for me to model my game after him.

Q: What made you fall in love with the game?

A: I can’t really pick a specific thing. Probably scoring headers in FIFA 14.

Q: How far can the team go this season?

A: I think the team is really good this season. We have talent and experience. I think we have a good chance of going to states. I recently got injured and could be out for a while, but I have faith that the team has the quality to get back to states even without me on the field.

Q: Are you interested in playing college soccer?

A: Definitely yes.

Q: What has the recruiting process been like for you?

A: It has been really fun visiting different schools and seeing the school culture. I don’t know where I want to go yet.

Q: What would you say your best attributes as a player are?

A: Definitely my dribbling and agility. I am [an] attacking player, and so those two attributes are also the most important for me. I have always been agile and quick, but I have had to work really hard to get my dribbling up to where it is now.

Q:  Do you want to play professionally?

A: If possible yes, but it would take a lot of hard work and sacrifice to get there. Playing professionally is the dream of every young player, and I would be really happy if I could make it there.