After navigating a challenging 2023 season marked by injuries and a young roster, the Boys Varsity Soccer team is redefining itself as a force in the Lakes Region. Under Head Coach Ian Hamlet and Coach Brian Didier, the 2024 Boys Varsity Soccer team has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in the Lakes Region this fall. With a current record of 7-3-1 and five games remaining in their campaign, the Hornets have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth throughout the season, and they look forward to making a strong push to earn a spot in the postseason.
Led by a strong contingent of eight seniors, the team has found success through a combination of veteran leadership and emerging young talent and players new to the team. This balance has proven to be a winning formula, with victories against Lawrence Academy (3-1), Groton School (2-1), and a 1-1 result against a talented New Hampton squad in their first matchup. Coming off of a 3-1 victory at Cushing Academy, the Boys Varsity Soccer team looks to notch a victory against Bridgton Academy at home this Saturday at 2:00 PM on Farrell Field.
The success hasn't come without its challenges. The team opened their season facing formidable opponents, including a tough Vermont Academy and narrow 0-1 defeats to both Kimball Union Academy and New Hampton School. However, the Hornets' ability to bounce back has been remarkable, showing growth with each match. Looking ahead to the final stretch of the season, the team faces what team captain Miles ‘25 describes as their "toughest stretch of games." Channeling the words of legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks, he adds, "Great moments are born from great opportunities. As a team, we have a great opportunity to make a statement and progress the program forward." The success of this year's squad has not only energized the current players but has also set a strong foundation for the future of Proctor soccer.
Two of the team’s captains, Thomas ’25 and Miles ’25, reflect on the evolution from last season as well as how team unity, finding joy in competition, and supporting each other have been pillars of their success this season.
What is your favorite part about the Boys Varsity soccer program at Proctor?
Thomas: My favorite part about the Boys Varsity soccer team at Proctor is how we are all so close. Each win was hard-fought and well-earned, and it feels great to have success as a team.
Miles: My favorite part is that it keeps my schedule busy and entertaining; this is when I find myself to be the most happy and engaged in the present moment.
As team captains, how have you tried to build a positive culture on the team?
Miles: On game days, we encourage everyone on the team to dress nicely or professionally, creating a culture of look good, feel good, play well.
Thomas: As a team captain, I have tried to build a positive team culture by ensuring everyone feels included as, this year, we have such a small team.
How have you found success this season?
Thomas: We have found success because everyone supports one another; nobody gets mad at you for making a mistake because we all make them and we all will be there to help you when it happens. Also, making sure we utilize practice as an opportunity to really dig deep into the little things we need to work on.
Miles: I think a lot of our success has come from being focused and comparing ourselves to our opponents, and that pushes us to be a better team.
How has the team evolved from last year to this year?
Miles: This year, with a lot of senior leadership (8 seniors), we are all ambitious to make this the best season we've had yet. I think our ambition rubs off on the underclassmen, and when you have a group of guys that are all hungry to be better as a team we all push each other.
Thomas: As a 4-year returning player, the team has evolved so much from last year. For one, we are winning more games. The team bonding and connections feel way better this year than any year before.
What are you most looking forward to during the final stretch of the season?
Thomas: What I am most looking forward to during the second half of the season is to see how many more wins we can pull off. It's always so fulfilling when the clock hits double 0 that we were the team who won. No better feeling. Also, Holderness Weekend is always a great game for us to show what we can do.
Miles: This second half of the season will be our toughest stretch of games. As Herb Brooks once said, "Great moments are born from great opportunities." As a team, we have a great opportunity to make a staple and progress the program forward.
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