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Sophomore Jackson Has High Hopes at Morgan

Morgan boys’ soccer recently completed a season that saw the team post 14 victories and reach the Shoreline Conference Tournament final before losing in the second round of states. Even though sophomore Calvin Jackson was hoping for his club to go further in each tournament, he knows that the future is bright for the Huskies.

“I was proud of our team because we did not have any seniors this year and so we endured the struggle of being such a young team. Next season we should be coming in as, if not the strongest team, one of the strongest teams that the Morgan soccer program has ever seen,” says Calvin. “Next year, we’ll have the exact same players coming back that makes up the entirety of our starting lineup, so we will strive to attain our goals of winning those championships.”

Calvin has been playing soccer since he was four and joined his middle school team in 6th grade. Calvin has competed alongside the same core of teammates since he started and feels that’s contributed quite a bit to Morgan’s success.

“This definitely helps us on the field because we are all friends,” says Calvin, who plays both outside back and central midfielder. “It allows for us to feel more like a family, which translates to better chemistry on the field. Better chemistry leads to better collective teamwork.”

Calvin says that he was “a little bit intimidated” when he reached high school level, but he still he earned a starting varsity spot as a freshman. Calvin solidified himself as a starter this year and led the team in assists. Head Coach Ross Demay appreciates Calvin’s skills on the field, as well as the impact that the sophomore’s leadership has on his fellow Huskies.

“He has become a standout leader on and off the field,” says Demay. “He helps a lot of the players on and off the field and has become one of our strongest backs as a sophomore. He is one of the players that has shown the most heart for this team, both playing and for his teammates, all season.”

As a freshman, Calvin decided to give indoor track a try to stay in shape throughout the winter and he ran on the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. Although he enjoyed the “thrill and adrenaline” of the races, Calvin decided that this winter he will focus on going to the gym to prepare for his spring season with Morgan baseball, while also getting stronger for his future soccer seasons. Calvin has played baseball for as long as he’s played soccer. His favorite position is center field, but he can play anywhere in the outfield, and is hoping to start for the varsity squad this spring.

“I like playing center field mainly because it’s a position where I can showcase and use my speed to its fullest extent,” says Calvin. “It’s also super thrilling to chase down fly balls and lay out or dive to make catches.”

Although college is still a few years away, Calvin will be looking for a school with a strong chemical engineering program. As much as he would like to continue playing soccer at the college level, Calvin notes that his first priority is academics. Calvin keeps busy as part of the Ultimate Frisbee Club and the Political Club at Morgan. He supports the other Huskies’ sports programs and enjoys participating in fundraising events like the dodgeball and basketball tournaments. Calvin also likes watching sports on TV, spending time with his girlfriend, and taking pictures.

Calvin feels grateful to have so many supportive people in his life. Calvin’s grandparents attend all of his games, plus his coaches and teammates also influence him to work hard.

“My grandparents have inspired me, supported me, and taught me to work hard in every aspect of my life,” says Calvin. “My coaching staff and all of my teammates drive me to work day in and day out. This carries over into all aspects of my life. Without them, I would not be the same athlete and I would most definitely not be the same person.”

Calvin says that he loves playing both baseball and soccer, but admits that soccer does ultimately come out on top as his favorite sport.

“People complain that baseball is boring because the speed of the game is so slow, but I like that because it allows for me to bring my own speed to the game,” says Calvin. “In the end, my favorite sport is always going to be soccer. I enjoy how it combines many different aspects of skill. It conflates speed, physicality, elegance, finesse, endurance, and respect—and not many other sports can offer that the same way that soccer does.”