Boys’ varsity soccer captain and senior Athan Zaiden was nominated for Florida Today’s 321preps Athlete of the Week for the week of November 18-30. He placed third with 1,725 votes.

Zaiden has been on the varsity team since his freshman year. After his parents encouraged him to play soccer in fifth grade, he started playing with the Space Coast United Soccer Club.

“Ever since I was little, I started playing,” he said. “My parents are from out of the country, [and] it is a [big] sport over there.”

As team captain, Zaiden said one way the Wildcats have grown closer is through team dinners before games. 

“I have learned that teamwork can be built on and off the field, whether while playing the actual sport or making friendships outside of the sport,” he said. 

Zaiden, who wears number seven, scored two goals in the second half of a game against Melbourne High School on Dec. 3. While the team did not pull out a victory at the game, it won 5-0 against Titusville High School on Dec. 10.

The next boys’ varsity soccer game is away on Dec. 13 against Melbourne Central Catholic High School at 7 p.m. 

By Jordyn Marrs