Neuqua Valley freshman midfielder Gabe Smith credits her love of soccer to her older sister, Belle.
That's not all Smith's sister has given her.
Mr. Smith's real name is Gabriel, but she answers as Gabe.
“My sister called me that name when I was little, and it stuck with me,” Smith said.
Smith looks up to her sister, who is three years older than her, and that influenced her choice of extracurricular activities.
“As a kid, I just did what my sister would do,” Smith said. “So, she used to play soccer and dance. I wanted to be like her too and play soccer and dance. But in reality we were separate. She chose dance and I chose soccer.”
Both are excellent. Belle Smith is a member of Newqua Valley's prestigious Orchesis Dance Company.
Meanwhile, Gabe Smith had a sensational high school soccer debut, scoring four goals in the Wildcats' 5-2 win over Plainfield Central in the season opener.
No one expected such an outburst, but Neuqua Valley (2-3) wasn't surprised at all.
“We saw potential in her, but once we actually started watching her practice, we thought, 'Wow, it's not just potential,'” Neuqua Valley coach Arnold Gonzalez said. “It was,” he said.
“You always get lost when you're a freshman. You know they're a diamond in the rough, as they say, but can they earn that starting position? But she's been a starter from the get-go. And she showed that she deserves to be there.”
Smith's impact is immediate and extends far beyond scoring goals. This is especially important for a team like Newqua Valley that has six freshmen, four of whom are starters.
“We often focus on goals and statistics, right?” Gonzalez said. “But you also have to look at the other things that are happening on the field. Just looking at her defensive run, her offensive run, how she can utilize herself for her teammates. , she just makes everyone around her better.”
That's a key attribute of the best players, and one rarely seen in players this young. But senior defender Lauren Milani is a testament to Smith's intangibility.
“She definitely brings a lot of energy,” Milani said. “Whether it's practice or games, she always shows up and is always ready. She always encourages others and encourages them to do their best.”
Milani, a fourth-year varsity player, knows what it's like to play varsity as a freshman, so he has helped the newcomers fit into the team quickly.
“I know it's very scary, but I feel like we're a very welcoming team. I think the freshmen have already formed bonds and friendships with the upperclassmen,” Milani said. “Off the field, we’re all pretty close.”
Smith said that helped build team chemistry quickly.
“We had weekly pasta parties and team sleepovers,” Smith said. “After every game, we go to McAllister's and sit and talk. I think that creates better cohesion within the team.”
That prompted Smith to be more vocal than other rookies.
“We were able to talk to each other and trust each other on the field,” she said. “They know when I talk to them, it's not personal. I'm just trying to help them.”
Milani said Smith and the freshmen definitely helped the Wildcats.
“We knew she was going to be a key player,” Milani said. “I know her talent and what she can do, and obviously she's great.
“That's true for all of our freshmen. They all have a lot of good key pieces that they can bring to the team and will help everyone reach their full potential.”
Smith has a lot of potential.
“She's doing a great job,” Gonzalez said. “Her soccer IQ is very high and her skills are incredibly high, so I think she has a very bright future.”
Smith believes his on-the-ground vision is his biggest strength at the moment, as well as solid leadership skills. It's still early, but she wants to play in college and she's excited to join a high school program that has produced six professional soccer players.
“I'm definitely trying to make my mark at Neuqua,” Smith said. “It's fun to play at a school where so many great athletes have played.
“Right now, there are a lot of great people at Neuqua who have overcome this and that. That's why I think it's fun to build relationships with my seniors and connect with people in the field.”
Matt Le Crenn is a freelance reporter.
