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10/17/2019 12:00 AMScott Testori remembers when he first met current Hand boys’ soccer coach Greg Cumpstone after finishing the 5th grade. Scott’s parents, Jay and Susan, signed him up to play in the Madison Youth Soccer program, where he followed in the footsteps of his two older sisters, Gina and Olivia. Shortly thereafter, Scott was introduced to Cumpstone while playing for a Premier team.
“I was 11 years old when Coach Cumpstone first came into my life. I was part of the Connecticut Rush, a Premier traveling team,” says Scott. “I could tell right away that coach knew the game very well. He taught us about tactics and how to develop our skills.”
Six years later, Scott is competing for Cumpstone as a junior on the Hand boys’ soccer squad. Scott is one of the top offensive forces for the Tigers, who are vying for their fourth-straight state title and recently solidified their spot in the Class L State Tournament.
Scott, a three-year starter at the striker position, has scored 12 goals for the Tigers on the heels of a sophomore season that saw him notch 24 goals and seven assists. Scott not only garnered All-SCC recognition last year, he also earned a place on the Class L All-State Team.
“Scott has always been a talented player, but above that, he has something special for the game. It makes him unique,” Coach Cumpstone says. “Scott’s desire for excellence drives him to improve with every training session and in every game. He’s so committed to the game, and you can always see those gears turning.”
As a member of the Tigers, Scott competes for a top-notch team that always has major expectations. Those expectations make Scott and company work that much harder, because they know they are always going to get the best effort from their opponents.
“We’ve been a team with a target on our backs for quite some time. That’s alright. It motivates all of us,” says Scott. “We feel especially driven in those competitive games—ones against teams like Guilford, Fairfield Prep, and Shelton.”
Scott is the perfect player for a Cumpstone-coached team that likes to quickly transition through the midfield and into the offensive zone. Scott had a smile on his face when he learned that Cumpstone was taking the reins as head coach prior to the 2018 season.
“When I heard that he was going to be our next coach, I was excited,” Scott says. “If he isn’t the best coach in the state, he’s right near the top.”
One of the biggest strengths of Scott’s game is his ability to maintain his presence inside the 18-yard box. That’s where Scott can use his height and footwork to be both a scorer and a distributor of the ball.
“Positioning is so important. I’m usually drawing one and two defenders, the best on the other team. If I can’t get open, I’ve got to look for my teammates. If they’re able to get into space or we’re able to create it, then I get them the ball,” says Scott, who is 6-foot-2. “I consider myself dangerous once I’m inside the box. I’ve got three options: to finish, create chances, or assist someone else.”
Scott is also a starting forward on the Hand boys’ basketball team. This winter, he will lead the Tigers as one of their captains.
“There really aren’t any similarities between the two sports,” Scott says. “But I enjoy each one.”
Scott is undecided on where he wants to continue his education after he graduates from high school. Scott still has time to make that choice as he tries to help the Tigers continue their tradition of excellence on the pitch.
“I’ve thought some about it, but I have time,” Scott says. “I still have lots of high school soccer in front of me.”