Hawken returns four starters and 10 letter-winners from a team that finished 7-5-4 overall last fall, leaving the Hawks positioned for improvement this season.
“We have a young team with a lot of potential,” said fifth-year head coach Vlad Muresan. “This is my smallest senior class at Hawken. We will have to go through some difficult moments, but we are confident in ourselves and our team. We will have to grow and improve from game to game, and we will be tested throughout the season.”
The Hawks will be challenged to replace 12 graduated seniors, but Muresan is confident his underclassmen are ready to step up and fill those cleats.
“We have to be mentally and physically ready for every game,” he said. “We must be very concentrated in every moment because the smallest details can make the big difference. We will have to find the right tactical system to fit the qualities of our players while being a very uncomfortable team to play against.”
Muresan will lean on seniors Johnny Drockton, a four-year starter, and Jack Murray, as well as sophomore Iain Monroe to lead the Hawks on the pitch.
“(Drockton) can play anywhere on the field. He will be the leader of the team, and the player that needs to put the team on his back,” Muresan said. “(Monroe) is a very intelligent player that will be the heartbeat of our team. He is very good technically and tactically and will be a massive player. (Murray) will be a very important attacking piece due to his versatility, speed, and ability to unlock defenses.”
Hawken’s success hinges on the upperclassmen quickly adapting to their roles and the team remaining focused on the game plan.
“We will need to be proficient in every moment of the game,” Muresan said. “When the opponent has the ball, all of our players must be ready and hungry to defend. When we have the ball, we must be vertical and get to the goal as soon as possible. The positive emotions of high school soccer can be felt by all members of our team. We are excited and confident to start the 2023 season. Only our sacrifices and our performances will determine our success throughout the season.”
