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01/17/2018 11:00 PMHayden Davis’s contributions to the Westbrook girls’ soccer team served as a microcosm for what helped the Knights accomplish their primary goal last fall. Hayden, a senior captain outside midfielder, provided constant support for her teammates in her leadership role and, together, they guided Westbrook to its first berth in the Class S State Tournament since 2009.
“Making states was really exciting for the whole team. We had been building up a new system since [Head Coach] Rob McConville came to the program last year,” Hayden says. “It was an exciting year, because the whole program changed. There was a lot of positivity around the team, too.”
The midfielder position is a two-way street on the soccer field. Hayden did a solid job of backing up her strikers and fellow midfielders from a defensive standpoint, while also dishing the ball to anyone who was open.
“Defensive midfielder was super important, because we had struggled on defense, so being able to get up and also stay back was important,” says Hayden, who posted two goals with four assists in her senior year. “I like to stay back and support everyone on the field, and they were also able to support me. I was also able to pass the ball to whoever needed it.”
Coach McConville says that Hayden’s willingness to do whatever her team needed is a reflection of her selfless nature. He adds that Hayden’s motor never stopped running once she hit the pitch.
“Hayden was one of our three captains this year. She earned the spot through her commitment to the team and her high work rate on the field. No matter what the score or importance of the game, Hayden was always one of the players who never gave less than 100 percent,” McConville says. “Aside from her tireless work rate, she was a positive presence on and off the field for all of her teammates. When players needed some inspiration or an example to follow, Hayden filled that role perfectly. Hayden played outside mid for us, which is one of the most physically demanding positions with little recognition. She was never selfish in her play and made the team stronger because of it. The team benefited greatly from her speed and physical endurance.”
As she entered her senior season, Hayden felt the weight of the situation and how it was going to be her final run with the Knights. Hayden had been steadily improving on multiple fronts throughout her high-school career, and she put together everything that she’d learned to have a great campaign.
“I have definitely matured internally and externally since freshman year. My skills have also gotten better,” says Hayden, who also runs track at Westbrook. “I learned how to play to my maximum potential. I also learned how to better communicate with my coaches and teammates.”
Hayden’s communication skills shined through as a senior captain. Hayden was always in sync with her coaches and teammates, and that created a network of connections she will never forget as she moves forward in life. Hayden thanks her parents, Sara and Jeff Davis, for their support through the years; along with fellow captains, Erin Metcalfe and Alexi Vumback; Coach McConville, girls’ soccer assistant coach Caitlin Eichler, and outdoor track coach Tim Marshall.
“The relationships I had with my coaches as captain were positive. I got to go over what to do in practices and games with the coaches. I had a good relationship with the entire team. The girls and I got along well,” says Hayden. “Playing with this team was a learning experience where I got to meet new people. I was led by people, and then I got to become a leader. It was an important experience for me.”