ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Josiah Wang

Windermere Preparatory School freshman golfer Josiah Wang recently earned second place at the FHSAA Class 1A Golf State Championship with a final score of 71 — one point under first place. Wang has been playing golf for only five years and is looking forward to his next season as part of the Lakers golf team.

Tell us about getting second in the states championship meet?
It was a good performance for me. I obviously I wanted first place, but there were some shots I missed — like barely missed them. I still think about it, but it’s over now, so I’m pretty happy about my performance.

Is this the first time you made your way to a state championship meet?
Yes, it was very cool for me, because there were a lot of teams from around Florida coming here — so many schools. And then (also) so many people that I knew before.

How long have you been playing golf?
Five years.

Why golf?
My whole family plays golf. My mom: She didn’t want me to play, because she knew it’s a very tough (sport). But one day, I was at home with my dad. We went to play golf, (and) he took me to the range. At the range, I started to hit some balls right, and I just smiled to him, and my dad just was like, ‘OK, you have to play golf.’

Have you played any other sports?
Yes, I used to play soccer. (Also) played tennis, swimming — all kinds of sports.

What’s your favorite thing about golf as a sport?
I just like the competitiveness of the tournaments. In general, I just like playing the sport.

What’s your favorite thing about being a part of your team?
I love the team: The guys are really funny. I love the spirit of us (as a team).

What do you believe golf has taught you not only on the course but also off it?
Probably that you have to be in the right mentality, prepare well, learn things and just (that you have to) work hard.

What do you believe makes you unique on the golf course?
I feel like I am a very consistent driver. … I’m pretty confident on the golf course. Sometimes, I don’t watch the ball, I just know it will go in.

What has been the hardest skill for you to learn?
Still driving —just try to gain more power — and also putting.

Have you given any thought about what you would like to study in college?
I have put some thought on it, but I’m still trying to decide what I would like to do.

What’s your favorite hobby?
I’ll probably say sleeping.

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
I don’t have one. I’ve watched the movies, and I like them, I just don’t have a favorite.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Flying, because it’s just cool, and I would like being in the air and stuff.

What type of music do you listen to?
Anything. I have no preference.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
I would like to go to England, because I want to watch football. I’d like to go to Africa or South America or even Antarctica — just to go to different continents.

What are three things you would bring with you to a deserted island?
I (would bring) water, because I like to drink water. Maybe a wrench and a golf ball just to hit some balls around and then just leave. And probably, I’ll sleep for a while, too.

What are three things on your bucket list?
I want to buy a boat, I would like to go skiing again and just go to Antarctica.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would it be and why?
A cat. Because I have cats, and I’m very attracted to their lifestyle. I think it’d be very cool to be a cat.

What color would you say represents your personality?
My favorite color is blue, but probably, the color that would represent me more accurately would be gray, because I’m very calm — don’t usually have many emotions. I just like to chill and do my stuff.