Leading the varsity boys soccer team’s 2024 season from start to finish, senior Co-captain forward Jack Neikrie has been instrumental to the team’s success.
Neikrie has been playing soccer for most of his life. He started playing in preschool because many of his friends played, and the game drew his interest. “There was a little league in my home town with all of my friends and ever since, I have played.” Neikrie’s father also played soccer in high school, which helped guide him as a player.
Neikrie’s biggest inspirations are both his father and former professional player Sergio Aguero. “My dad inspires me to work hard and become better every day,” he said. “Even though Aguero does not currently play anymore, when he used to, he was incredibly skilled and fast. He always worked hard, and that found him great success.”
The highlight of Neikrie’s season was during a win against Hotchkiss, the opening game of the season. With a few minutes left in the game, he scored the team’s only goal to secure KO’s first win over Hotchkiss in over 40 years. Head Coach Richard Shaw discussed what this victory meant for the team. “To give us a win against a team that we have not beaten for so long, that starts our season off in the right direction,” he said. Since then, Neikrie has been involved in many important goals this season, helping his team accumulate a 4-4-1 record.
Coach Shaw noted some of Neikrie’s key strengths, which are his work ethic, desire to win, and ability to build rapport with others. The latter was shown when Coach Shaw recounted his first time meeting Neikrie in the summer and was quickly impressed. “He was clearly passionate and cared about the team and the school, and he helped me understand some key dynamics,” he said. “His communication and commitment to the team has always been first class. As a coach, you need figures on the team that can help and support your day-to-day needs, and he does that.”
Neikrie’s plans for the future are undetermined, but he is committed to continue playing soccer, as he wants to either try to walk on to a college soccer team or play club soccer. “His future looks extremely bright,” Coach Shaw said. “With his academic platform, athletic achievements, character, and determination he has developed at KO, he certainly has an opportunity to pursue his ambitions and future, and shape it into whatever he wants it to be!”
As the season continues, Neikrie will continue to play an integral role in the team’s success, and we wish him the best of luck!
