If Newbury Park High School’s
soccer field was a puzzle, senior stand-out Connor Reed would make up the
middle piece, essential to holding both the offensive and defensive units
together.
From the preseason game against
Chaminade, in which he scored the last minute, game winning goal off a head
shot, then throughout the conference games, to the post season, the varsity captain
and midfielder has led his team in goals scored, while maintaining control of
the ball in the backfield and giving his teammates the opportunity to shoot as
well.
“[Reed] is the type of player you
can always count on,” varsity coach Brian Collins said. “I’m positive that without
him, the team would not have made playoffs.”
In sports, leadership is defined by
one’s actions, rather than one’s position or seniority. To his coaches,
teammates, and peers, Reed defines the strong but humble type, who takes charge
through his presence on the field.
“He was not the most talkative
senior, but he led by example,” Reed’s varsity teammate Jahaan Ansari, junior,
said. “He defines the big, strong, and silent type. He’s the reason our team
was so successful this year and we all have a lot of respect for him.”
In the midst of college recruiting
trips and club soccer practice, Reed played his last high school game on Mar
17. The senior all-star showcase recognizes the best individual players from
each division of the California Interscholastic Federation. Reed was one of the
two athletes nominated to participate from Marmonte League, and his division
won the game in the penalty shoot out.
It came as no surprise when, along
with being nominated for the showcase, Reed received his team’s Most Valuable
Player award, and was recognized as one of the best midfielders in the league
by making the first team for All-Marmonte.
“It’s just been a really great
experience for me,” he said. “I’ve been able to play with some really great
guys over the years, and their determination has been a constant reminder that
you should never give up, and play your all until the very end. A sport is a
perfect comparison to life in general. It’s not exactly that somebody loses and
somebody wins, it’s a bit grayer in reality, but you have to have the same
mentality to succeed on and off the field.”
Off the field, Reed excels in
academics and maintains a 4.0 gpa. An honor roll student as well as a stand out
athlete, he is looking into several universities where he can continue his
soccer career while focusing on his major in science.
“We are
going to miss [Reed] at Newbury Park.” Collins said. “Players like him are
rare. [Not only] does he lead through his actions on the field, but he inspires
his teammates to play better. There’s no doubt that he should be playing on the
next level and I know that whichever [college] he goes to, he will leave a big
impact on their program, just like he has on ours.”
