Senior Series - Johnny Drockton
Looking back at my time at Hawken brings back countless memories and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Amongst those memories, some of the most prominent and impactful ones are those from my time playing varsity soccer.
Ever since I joined the team as a freshman, I have been continuously amazed by the camaraderie and sense of community that exists on our team. Despite coming from different backgrounds and having varying personalities, our love for the sport brought us together and created a bond that I know will last long after we graduate. One of my favorite memories from my junior year was our game against our rival school, US. We had been looking forward to this game all season, and when the day finally arrived, our team was fired up and ready to compete. US had always underestimated our team, but little did they know, we were determined to prove them wrong… and we did just that, coming out of the gates with a ferocity and passion that took them by surprise. We scored two quick goals in the first minutes of the game, and our team's energy was electric. While we ultimately tied the game 2-2, the feeling of knowing that we had left everything on the field and stood tall against our rival was indescribable. But it wasn't just about the wins or losses for our team. It was about the journey and the lessons we learned along the way.
I will never forget my freshmen year when our captain, Luke Culver, rallied us together during halftime of our playoff game against Canfield. We were down 1-0 going into the half, and the team felt defeated. But our captain's words inspired and motivated us to fight back. We scored two goals in the second half and became the sectional champions for the first time in our coach's career. It was a moment of triumph and teamwork that I will always cherish.
Playing varsity soccer at Hawken has taught me so much more than just the skills of the game. I have learned the value of teamwork, determination, and resilience. I have had the privilege of being led by an amazing coach, Vlad. He has taught me so many valuable lessons, and I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am to have had him for four years. Most importantly, I have made friendships and memories I will hold onto for a lifetime.
As I prepare to say goodbye to the Hawken soccer team and move on to the next chapter of my life, I am overflowing with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that playing varsity soccer has given me. I am proud to be a part of such a strong and supportive team, and I will always carry the lessons I learned from being a Hawken soccer player with me.
