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11/11/2020 11:00 PMWhen Carter Gibson steps on the soccer pitch, everything else that is going on around him stops until that final whistle sounds.
Carter is a senior captain for the boys’ soccer team at Old Saybrook High School. Carter is always fully entrenched in every Rams’ contest, and that type of focus has allowed him to become one of the top players in the Shoreline Conference.
“My favorite aspect of soccer is the way it makes me forget about everything that’s going on,” says Carter, who started playing soccer at age five. “Once I step onto the field, the only thing I focus on is what’s in front of me.”
Carter, a center midfielder, has contributed to plenty of success during his time at Old Saybrook. Last fall, Carter helped the Rams earn a share of the Shoreline Conference title and then claim their second-straight Class S state crown.
“Last year was full of many great memories, but the icing on the cake and the best moment was winning the state championship,” Carter says. “I was a field player both years, and just being a part of our back-to-back state championships is an unreal feeling and a huge honor.”
Old Saybrook finished with a record of 7-2 for the 2020 regular season. Now, Carter and his teammates are gearing up to play in the Shoreline Conference Tournament this week.
“We just received good news that my team is able to play in the Shoreline Tournament. So, the goal now is to go into the tournament healthy and strong,” says Carter. “With all that is going on with COVID-19, I want to be able to play a few more games with my friends and teammates. Before my senior season is done, I hope to win another title.”
In addition to competing for the Rams, Carter also plays soccer on a year-round basis as a member of the Southeast Soccer Club (SSC). Carter credits Old Saybrook Head Coach Steve Waters, as well as his club coaches and many others, for making him the player that he is today.
“I am in my eighth season with Southeast Soccer Club, where I play the rest of the year,” says Carter. “I owe thanks and praise to the many SSC coaches, parents, and staff for my growth and development. Their dedication and knowledge of soccer assists me in becoming a leader on and off the field.”
Coach Waters describes Carter as a strong leader and a player with a high soccer IQ. Old Saybrook’s offense typically runs through Carter, and Waters knows that the center midfielder is a major reason behind the Rams’ success.
“Carter has an incredible habit to find his way onto the ball from a central midfield position. He effectively distributes to strikers and flank players,” Waters says. “Carter’s work ethic is consistently extreme and is respected not only by his teammates, but opponents as well.”
Carter and Coach Waters have grown close during the past few years. Carter says that his appreciation for the sport has blossomed as a result of working with Waters.
“Coach Waters is much more than a coach to me. He’s a friend, he’s a role model, and he’s a teacher,” says Carter. “Coach has taught me a lot about the sport of soccer. I also learned a lot about myself. I would like to take this time to thank him for everything he’s done for me and the team.”
Carter enjoys spending time with friends and family when he isn’t playing soccer. Still, soccer will always be Carter’s main game, and he dedicates a ton of time to perfecting his skills on the field.
“I am always trying to improve my game, whether it’s improving my first touch or my endurance,” Carter says. “I improve my game by doing workouts which are made to strengthen these skills.”