FIRST OF MANY: Former Lady Red Tornadoes soccer star Izzi Wood collects first goal with App State

BOONE – There are a plethora of “firsts” in one’s life as it progresses. There’s one’s first steps and first words; his or her first time riding a bike; the first crush; the first kiss; the first time one drives a car. It goes on and on.

Moreover, the same could be said in the athletic world.

Whether it’s the first time one picks up a ball; the first game he or she plays in; the first career start; there’s always a first time for everything.

This could not be more true for former Hickory High multisport athlete Isabelle “Izzi” Wood. Wood is known for quite a big first in Red Tornadoes’ history as she became the first female to score a point for its varsity football program on September 13, 2019, against Hunter Huss via a point-after attempt as the team’s kicker.

In addition to this major accomplishment in her young career, Wood also competed on Hickory High’s varsity basketball and girls’ soccer clubs, as well as competed in cross country.

During her time as a member of the Lady Red Tornadoes’ varsity soccer program, she was recognized as the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference Player of the Year during her junior season in 2019 in which she finished as the top scorer in the North Carolina 3A with 53 goals and 14 assists – which was also in the top 10 in the country.

Wood, 18, won numerous other soccer awards including: All-Conference, All-Region and All-State, as well as the US Soccer Coaches All-Mid Atlantic Region selection. She also made the 2019 Charlotte Observer All-First team, along with being named the Charlotte Golden Boot award winner and Charlotte Soccer Academy Elite Girls’ Player of the Year.

With all of the high school accolades in mind, it’s difficult to prepare for the Division I scene, but Wood has taken to it in stride. Most recently, she collected her first career goal with her new soccer team: the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

“Playing at the college level and in the Sun Belt Conference is tough,” said Wood. “It is fast and physical, and the competition is fierce. I have great support from Coach (Sarah) Strickland and the other coaches, trainers, and the staff. I also love my teammates and our team bond is amazing!

“We have great chemistry on our team, and I really love all the girls. Tess (Cairney) and Mary (Perkins) have been great senior leaders, and our freshmen class is tight! I am making lifelong friends which is the best part of the experience so far.”

On Oct. 16, in a road contest against Troy (following a three-game losing skid), Wood scored this goal within the first 10 minutes of action.

Unbeknownst to her, this goal would also be the game-winner – another first – as her team earned the 1-0 victory. Prior to this feat, Wood attempted nine shots with a season-high three shots attempted in the 2-1 home loss against Georgia St. on Sept. 17.

“It felt really good to get that first goal, but it was even better to get the win,” she said. “It definitely ranks up at the top (of accomplishments). I’ve always dreamed of playing college soccer, and a lot of people have helped me get here – including Coach (Brian) Jillings at Hickory High who has been very supportive. Being able to play for Appalachian State is an honor and a dream come true.”

After Sunday’s game against South Alabama, in which the Mountaineers fell 3-0, Wood and company will compete in the program’s regular season finale on Sunday, Oct. 25 at noon in a home match-up against Coastal Carolina. As it stands, the Mountaineers are 3-8-1 on the season.

In terms of the way her season has gone during the COVID-19 pandemic – which also shortened Wood’s senior campaign at Hickory – she said that it has definitely been tough for all involved.

“We are tested at least weekly, and we all know the stakes are high,” she said. “We keep in our soccer team bubble as much as possible. I look forward to being able to enjoy some of the fun stuff that goes along with being a college athlete, but I am glad the Sun Belt Conference and App State is allowing us to play.”

For now, although the team’s record isn’t quite up to par this season, Wood said she wants to go far in the conference tournament and believes her squad is getting better every game.