Senior soccer player Will Penrod has found success in making the best out of his senior year of soccer, both on and off the field.
“I have created a lot of good memories with the team through getting food, hanging out, and getting closer as friends at practice,” Penrod said.
With the season wrapping up, Penrod did receive some recognition on Thursday. He received an honorable mention award for the all-section team.
“I obviously wanted to make the first team. But I’m happy with the honorable mention,” Penrod said.
One benefit of Penrod’s passion for the game is his leadership, teammates said.
“Will is the best leader on the team because of the way he pushes everyone and knows where everyone should be on the field. He gets us in the right mindset before every game,” senior Anthony DiCesaro said. “He is very confident on the field and is able to bring our spirits up as a team,” DiCesaro said.
Junior Jackson Presto said the best aspect of Penrod’s game is his soccer knowledge.
“Will’s sense for the game makes him such a great player and leader. It’s like having another coach on the field,” Presto said.
Penrod is a defender, so his stats aren’t what stands out about his play.
“I only have two assists on the year, but our defense has been solid as a whole,” Penrod said.
Penrod said the Highlanders had expected to be better as a team this season.
“We have lost a lot of games. Our record came out to 3-13-1. We had higher expectations on the year, moving down from 4A to 3A, but we didn’t deliver,” Penrod said.
Penrod’s dad influenced him to play soccer at a young age and he’s glad he listened.
“I started playing when I was 4 years old. My dad got me into it and he was my coach when I was younger. Then in third grade, I joined Century’s club team and have been with them ever since,” Penrod said.
Penrod’s best memories came less from winning games and more from enjoying time with his teammates.
“My favorite memories were going to Century tournaments with my teammates and just hanging out and joking around with each other,” Penrod said.
Despite the memories Penrod has made in his soccer career, he does not plan to play in college.
“I will not be playing in college. I plan on going to Penn State and majoring in business,” Penrod said.
