The Pondering of Players

Team sports provide us with the rare opportunity to exist in the spotlight accompanied by a group of loyal teammates working together determined to bring victory to their school, city, or country. To try and gain a better understanding of the Drew Boys JV soccer experience 2901 Lit Mag interviewed two prominent players on the team: Cole Gibson, and Isiah Cornejo

After ten years of playing soccer, freshman Cole Gibson joined the JV soccer team as a central attacking midfielder. His physicality and speed allowed him to lead several counter attacks, and prevent opposing teams from breaking down our defensive line. He supports The United States and Argentina in the World Cup.

Freshman Isaiah Cornejo played on the JV soccer team primarily as a goalkeeper, however occasionally he would switch to other defensive roles such as central defender. His ten years of experience as a goalkeeper and knowledge of the game allowed the JV boys soccer team to play a higher defensive line, and develop quick offensive runs. He supports Ecuador in the world cup, and his favorite player is Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

2901: What is your favorite thing about soccer?

CG: I think my favorite thing about soccer is the simplicity of the game: as long as you have a ball, you can kind of play anywhere.

IC: I think mine is the opposite. I’d say that my favorite thing about soccer is the complexity of the game, the strategy required to operate as a successful team, and working with your team towards a specific goal.

2901: Speaking of teams, what was your team’s best moment on the field this season?

CG: My favorite moment was probably… when we scored our first goal! We had a rough start to the season and a well-crafted team goal was rewarding.

IC: I’d say my favorite moment in the season was our last game of the season when our offense was able to break through the [opposition’s] midfield and get the ball to Hugo Maniatis, who scored, because it was our last game of the season and we had all worked hard, and we were proud of ourselves.

2901: As a team, what was your biggest strength?

CG: Because we were all friends, we were able to communicate well and have fun during games and practices while also giving our best effort.

IC: Being able to bounce back from a loss. There were several times when we got destroyed by the other team, and still every game and practice we remained positive and came ready to improve.

2901: What is some advice that you would give to future soccer players at Drew?

IC: Don’t expect to win. JV isn’t about winning, it’s about improving. All that matters at the end of the season is the friends you’ve made, and the [soccer] skills you have learned.

CG: Mine would be to find a good goalie.

IC: I play goalie by the way!

CG: Yeah, it’s important to have someone who can rescue your team when you’re in trouble and Isaiah was able to do that.

2901: Will you be playing soccer Drew next year?

IC: Sure.

CG: Yeah!

Interview conducted by Asa Vaziri (9).