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09/23/2021 12:00 AMSteve Kinser and the Morgan boys’ soccer team are off to one of their best starts in recent memory this year. Steve, a junior, is proving a major contributor to the Huskies’ success with his solid play at the outside midfielder position.
Morgan owns a record of 4-0 on the season, and Steve has scored a goal in all four contests. The Huskies have notched wins over Old Lyme (3-0), Norwich Free Academy (3-2), Hale-Ray (2-0), and Valley Regional (1-0) thus far this fall.
“I scored the third goal against Old Lyme, the third goal against NFA, the second goal against Hale-Ray, and the only goal of the game against Valley,” says Steve. “My expectations for this season are that we win Shorelines and we get to at least the semifinals of the State Tournament.”
Steve worked rigorously on improving his game throughout the offseason. Now, Steve is seeing the results of his efforts on the field after leading Morgan to a stellar start to its campaign.
“I definitely feel more confident this year. After scoring one goal every game, I hope to continue that streak throughout the whole year,” Steve says. “The way I tried to improve my game this offseason was by working out and running with our team. It feels good that we are getting off to a good start, and I hope that we can keep growing as a team and never lose a game.”
Steve has been playing soccer when he was four years old. He naturally developed a talent for the sport to go along with his love for the game.
“I got started because my parents signed me up to play at a young age. My dad played when he was younger, and he thought that I’d like it,” says Steve. “My key to success is just trying to keep my head up no matter what. If I make a mistake, I tell myself that I will get it next time.”
Morgan Head Coach Ross Demay praises Steve for the overall skillset that the junior brings to the soccer field. Demay feels that one Steve’s greatest attributes is his ability to not take things too seriously.
“Steve is the jokester on the side, leaving the boys in a lighter mood. He is positive with them and pushes them, leaving them in good spirits,” Demay says. “When Steve gets on the field, he is always dialed in. He has four goals so far, because he finds himself in good positions to score and finishes the chances he gets.”
Steve says that Coach Demay always lifts him up when things aren’t going well, while also motivating him to perform his best when completing any task.
“My relationship with my head coach is very good, and he helps me when I am down on myself,” says Steve. “He directs me in the right direction, both personally and with soccer.”
Aside from soccer, Steven competes at the No. 3 singles position for the Morgan boys’ tennis team during the spring. Steve enjoys playing video games, ping pong, and swimming in his free time.
“Tennis helps me with agility and has molded me into a well-rounded athlete,” Steve says. “During my free time, I love spending time with my friends. It doesn’t matter the activity. We always have a good time.”
Morgan wasn’t able to participate in the Shoreline Conference Tournament due to COVID-19 concerns last year. Steve is hoping that the Huskies will be able to complete a healthy and full soccer season as they continue playing through the pandemic in 2021.
“I was very worried about playing during COVID. Thankfully, this season we can play a full season, but we have to follow all the proper safety protocols,” says Steve. “Last year, we got cut short due to a case in our school, so we are hopeful that doesn’t happen again.”