Being captain of the boy’s soccer team, junior Luke Borajkiewicz is looking to help his team for the better, on and off the field.
“Being a captain comes with a lot of responsibilities, such as teaching the younger players to be more responsible on the field,” says Borajkiewicz. “This makes me feel more confident as a player.”
The newer players are the program’s future, and Borajkiewicz is helping them stay motivated when facing a challenge.
“I always make sure that when we do something wrong, the players know that it is just a mistake,” said Borajkiewicz. “They have to know that it is alright to make mistakes.” And while mistakes are a building block for improvements, it could be superstition that could focus the athlete.
Borajkiewicz has many superstitions and rituals; keeping these makes him feel like a better player.
“I always roll my socks a certain way before a game, and I always take a nap on the way home from the games,” says Borajkiewicz.
Being on a large team like this, players think of it like a family, which can create many good memories. Being this close creates a bond that will last forever.
“My favorite team memory was the pasta party we had at Woodland Alumni, Johnny Sizer’s house,” stated Borajkiewicz.
Coaches have a significant impact on how athletes play. They can give pieces of advice that players carry with them through their career. This can influence them to work harder.
“Just move on from the mistake and just keep playing harder,” Borajkiewicz states as a piece of advice.
Being named captain is an enormous responsibility; this is why Borajkiewicz believes he was chosen.
“My coaches see a lot of potential in me, and they believe that I have a lot to bring to the table for next year as well.”