Captain's Corner: Varsity Soccer | Avon Old Farms News | About Us | Avon Old Farms

Although it didn't end the way they would have hoped, the varsity soccer team had a season to remember this year. They topped the Founders League and qualified for NEPSAC Class A postseason play, all while impressing with both individual skill and team cohesion. We sat down with team captain Leonardo Miranda '26 ahead of the first tournament game to find out more about his role.

• How long have you been a member of the varsity soccer team?

“This is my second year at Avon and I've been on varsity soccer both years. I've been playing soccer for as long as I remember. I played other sports growing up in Panama, but I moved to the U.S. when I was 9, and since then soccer has been my main sport. I play center mid or center attacking mid."

• Why do you think you were elected a captain?

“Usually it has a lot to do with experience, but it was a little different this year. We had a lot of newer guys compared to past years, so it really came down more to being a good leader, and I guess my coaches and teammates thought I was a good choice.”

• What does the role of varsity soccer captain entail?

“In game, we're the main guy that talks to the ref. We have to control the guys on our team, keep our game plan intact, and maintain team chemistry. We also lead warmups and meet with coach to provide feedback.”

• What makes a good leader?

“Someone who really knows the players on their team. You have to know how different people are going to respond to different situations and know the best way to talk to each person. It's how you always get the best out of the people around you."

• How has the season gone so far?

“Pretty good. We finished the regular season with a record of 13-2-3 and we're ranked fourth going into the playoffs. We were also the only team this year to play Taft and not lose." 

• What was the highlight of the season?

"As a team, but also personally, beating Loomis was probably the hightlight. They had a few former Avon guys on their team so there was a lot of talking going on that game, which made it feel that much better. Also, earning our first home playoff game since 2017 was a big highlight."

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