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09/24/2022 11:17 AMKevin DeCapua has been making a lasting impact on the Old Saybrook boys’ soccer team since his freshman year at the high school. Now a junior, Kevin has learned the value of playing well-rounded soccer through his years in the game. Kevin’s effort on offense helped the Rams win state titles during his first two years in the program, and his presence both on and off the field never goes unnoticed.
Kevin has established some big goals for both himself and the Rams’ program in his junior season. Along with continued team success, Kevin is hoping to continue improving his own play. Kevin has a positive effect on Old Saybrook’s lineup with his skillset. This year, Kevin wants to keep making an impact while reaching a higher level of personal performance.
“I’m really looking at improving my fitness and my speed, especially for the tempo of play. I’m looking to play in college, and the tempo is fast-paced,” says Kevin. “I’m just looking to get to that level of play before the end of the season.”
Kevin and his teammates are off to a stellar start with a record of 3-0 this year. Kevin, a striker, scored a goal to go with a pair of assists when the Rams earned a recent 8-1 win versus Hale-Ray on Sept. 13.
Last year, Kevin’s contributions helped Old Saybrook finish the season with an overall record of 19-0-3. The Rams were co-champions of the Shoreline Conference and then claimed the Class S state crown for the third year in a row. At the end of the season, Kevin was named to the All-Shoreline Conference First Team.
Kevin’s journey to playing an important role with the Rams wasn’t easy. Kevin made the varsity team in his freshman year, but remained on the bench for most of the season. However, Kevin still learned a lot about the high school game while getting to know his teammates and coaches. Kevin’s experiences during his inaugural season launched him to perform well in a standout campaign as a sophomore last fall.
“The first two years were a really big learning curve. Going into sophomore year, I had a lot more confidence,” Kevin says. “I believed in myself a little bit more, and my coaches helped me pave the way for success, winning Shoreline and state championships.”
Head Coach Steve Waters admires the growth, maturity, and confidence that Kevin has displayed on the soccer pitch. Waters says that Kevin has become a stalwart in the Rams’ offensive attack, praising the junior for how he uses his unique vision of the field to make things happen.
“Kevin is really good role model in how hard you have to work to get to where he’s at. He’s extremely talented with the ball,” says Waters. “He figures things out very well as far as positioning. He can play many positions during many situations in the game, whether he’s got to drop into the midfield, drop further back, or pay attention to a particular opponent.”
Kevin’s family and friends have been an integral part of his soccer career. He started playing the sport at a young age. Thanks to the support of the people in his corner, Kevin has learned a tremendous amount about both the game and how to live your life as a high school student-athlete.
“What I’ve learned from soccer over the years is leadership. My mom always taught me to be a leader—to be the kid that always wants to make friends, always help people up—and I’ve really stuck with that my whole life,” says Kevin. “It’s really gotten me far in places. It’s a great thing to have as a player.”
Kevin dedicates his play to his family and friends in return for the influence that they’ve had on his life. Throughout his soccer career, Kevin has received inspirational guidance from a group of role models who continue to fuel his game to a dominant level.
“What motivates me most is my family and my friends. My great-grandpa fell in love with soccer from day one. He was born in Italy and always grew up playing it,” Kevin says. “Ever since he passed away, I’ve been doing all things for him. He’s been my biggest inspiration, along with my mom, my dad, and my sister. They’ve always been there for me.”
Kevin has made his impact felt with the Rams through his fabulous athleticism and a strong desire to improve for both himself and his team. Kevin’s job can be difficult at times, but he continues to pursue his goals with the love and support that he receives from the Old Saybrook community.
“The best part about being on the team is the atmosphere of the players, the coaches, and the fans. We’re all just one community and one family. All of us have each other’s backs,” says Kevin. “We’re always bringing people up, looking for greatness, and it brings success with winning lots of games and titles. It’s amazing to be a part of such an amazing program.”