Sterling McGee was voted Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after a two-goal performance in Nansemond River High School boys’ soccer team’s win over rival King’s Fork High School.

McGee, a senior, is the current leading scorer on the Warriors team. He currently has 11 goals and five assists for the season and has helped the Warriors to a 6-2 start.

He is enjoying a senior season in which he feels his team’s chemistry is constantly getting stronger.

“I feel like my senior year has been very successful so far,” he said. “Not just scoring goals, but our team chemistry is phenomenal this year. I credit my coaches, coach Tordoff and Leverone, to holding us to a high standard but also letting us voice our viewpoints.”

McGee feels his team is one big family when they are on the field. The continuity has helped them to only two losses this season. The senior is motivated by many things, particularly by his hard work he puts into soccer. He has spent countless hours dribbling, shooting and lifting weights to become the player he is today. Because of the hard work he has put in, he plays with confidence knowing that it will all show on the field.

When he runs around on the field and looks up and sees his family, that also motivates him.

“My parents come to every game,” McGee said. ” I can see my mom screaming her lungs out every time I score a goal.”

Family is vital to the senior as he draws inspiration from them, especially his sister Erica. She left to go to the Army at the beginning of his season. She often writes him about her challenges and how she faces them. Recently she was promoted to Platoon Guide, something Sterling is very proud of. His mother, Angela Barclift, and father, Stephan McGee, always instill confidence in him.

This is the second consecutive year McGee has been the leading scorer for the Warriors, but he doesn’t brag. It is part of who he is as an athlete to remain humble and hard working.

“Growing up, I was never very tall or strong,” McGee said. “I knew with hard work and preparation, I could become a stand out on the field.”

McGee’s goal is for his team to win a state championship. He and his team have a lot of talent, and he feels that goal can be attained. He also wants to be the Conference 10 player of the year, and if he keeps his play up, that can be in reach.

“He’s been great this year,” Warriors coach Dustin Tordoff said. “He works hard every day, and we always know we are going to get his best effort. He creates opportunities for himself and others. He’s having a lot of fun bringing a positive attitude to his team.”

To McGee, all of his goals come from a team effort. So when he scores, he can be found dancing or doing something to hype his team up.

“Whatever makes us hungry for more goals I’ll do it, even if it’s more dancing,” McGee joked.

The Warrior has had several interests from colleges but has decided to attend Bryant and Stratton College. There he will play soccer and run track and major in business. In his spare time, he likes to have fun with his friends and laugh.

McGee and the Warriors will be back in action again at home at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday against Lakeland High School.