Boys varsity soccer had one of their best seasons yet. Being undefeated during their regular season and going to the finals for the state championship, which hasn’t happened since 2007, and being second in the state. These players worked very hard with practices almost every day, and multiple games a week. The team put up a tough fight and gave it their all in every game.
Varsity Score: 22-2-1
Nathen Song (12) plays as the center attacking midfielder, and has been one of Hazen’s top scorers. He has been playing for 12 years, and joined Hazen’s team in his junior year. Nathen says his favorite memory from playing on this team is “Going out to eat after every game and celebrate.” If he could give the underclassmen any piece of advice it would be, “Don’t lose to Liberty.”
Center back, Niko Uzelac (12) has been playing for 12 years, and has plans of continuing to play the sport in college. Niko has been on varsity all four years of his high school career, playing as center back, and his advice to the underclassmen is, “Never take any moment for granted.” His favorite memories while playing at Hazen are going out to eat with his friends after the game. Niko also says, “My senior season overall has been one of the greatest memories.”
Emiliano Nunez has played as a left wing back for the team, all 4 years on varsity, and has been playing soccer for 12 years. One of Emi’s favorite memories while playing at Hazen is beating Mercer Island his junior year in a playoff game, and celebrating afterwards. His advice to the underclassmen is, “Have a strong connection outside of school, it will help with team chemistry.”
Jayden Pham (12) has been on the team all four years, and has played soccer since he was seven years old. His position is defender, both outside and center back. Jayden’s advice to the underclassmen is, “To do what excites you. Chase the thing that makes you feel alive, whether it’s on the pitch or off the pitch. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to try new things, and follow what truly excites you even if you think it will be scary.” He has two favorite memories that stand out to him the most being, “Taking the team to eat Korean barbecue, and we pranked the worker telling her that Kai was a professional player from Korea, Heung-min Son.” His second favorite memory is, “Beating Mercer Island and we celebrated by singing the na na na ay ay goodbye song, and we threw water everywhere.”
Lastly, Hazen’s captain’s, Vitaly Polyuk (12) and Gio Rodriguez (12). They both have been on varsity all four years. Vitaly has been playing for seven years and Gio has been playing since he was six years old. Vitaly plays as a forward, also being one of Hazen’s top scorers, and Gio plays as center back. They both have great advice to the underclassmen which is, “playing time is earned, not given.” Says Vitaly. Gio’s advice is, “Don’t let academics slip. Eligibility matters, and learning time management now sets you up for success on and off the field. Gio’s favorite memory is, “Beating Mercer Island in the KingCo Championship my freshman year.” Vitaly says his favorite memory from playing with the team is winning KingCo finals freshman year and scoring his penalty shot in the quarter finals. Another favorite memory of his is, “Building the soccer program brick by brick with the boys.”
These seniors have gone through many practices and games together, with their talent and love for the sport bringing them together. Over the last four years they have created memories together and have become a family. These seniors helped make this soccer season one of the most memorable yet.
