Hood junior men's soccer captain Shawn Fernholz is this week's featured player in the CAC's "Introducing ..." series.  Fernholz is a three-year starting keeper for the Blazers.

What is your background in the sport you play? 

I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old. I played on my high school team at Old Mill. In high school, I earned all-county honors and MVP of my team, my senior year. I have started at Hood since my freshman year and am a captain this year. I have also been working at some soccer camps recently, coaching kids from 7-10 years old.

What is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus would have to be the Whitaker Campus Center because I frequently stop by our Blazer Cafe to get some quick food or some coffee before class. I also use Whitaker to get some work done occasionally while on campus.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students and why? 

I think that the most important societal issue at this point in time would be the overall economy as a whole. Our economy has been getting progressively worse. Now, students are faced with the increased cost of living. One of the main problems associated with that is the increased gas prices. Along with that is the overall increase in the cost of everyday goods. We are finding more and more that everything is costing more and college students in general are probably not the greatest when it comes to saving money.

What is your major in college and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline? 

My major is psychology with a minor in criminology. I think the most important thing that I have learned is that everyone is very different from each other in terms of mentality. What one person thinks about something is not necessarily the same way another person may think about it. You have to treat everyone as a unique individual and understand that people are unique.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life? 

Other than my family, the most influential person in my life would have to be my girlfriend Brandy Noel. She is always there for me whenever I need her no matter what. She also plays field hockey and lacrosse so I enjoy competing against her. Were both very competitive people.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? 

If I were giving one piece of advice to elementary students, I would make sure to tell them that life isn't always going to be easy, but they should never give up on anything and if they want something they should go after it. Don't let opportunities pass you by especially while growing up.

What is your favorite form of entertainment? 

Outside of playing sports, my favorite form of entertainment is a close call between playing my Nintendo Wii and watching episodes of The Office. Both have helped me through some pretty bored times.

Outside the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team? 

My favorite sports team has to be the Baltimore Ravens. I enjoy watching the Ravens defense put the hurt on the competition. My favorite player, I'd have to go with Ed Reed, he always makes things happen on the field and brings a huge presence.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with? 

I would like to have dinner with Ray Lewis, Steve Carell, and my Grandmother and cousin (Ryan). I think it would be interesting to eat with Ray Lewis of the Ravens because I would like to ask him how he continues to play at such a high level after so many years. Steve Carell is one of my favorite actors and one of the funniest people in my opinion. I would also like to have dinner with my Grandmother and my cousin Ryan, both of whom passed away a couple years apart when I was in high school. I would like to see them again and talk to them.