Let’s talk about Junior Gavin Sexton, a rising star at Wayne Hills High School, who’s been kicking a soccer ball since before he could even walk. As the youngest of three, Gavin was practically born into the game—his dad had him dribbling before he could even stand on his own two feet.
At the young age of 4, Gavin joined a recreational team with his Dad as the coach. This was a core memory for Gavin and the tight bond that this created between him and his dad. He joined a more competitive team, Wayne Soccer Club at the age of 6. He began to travel and play in tournaments.
Gavin played center Midfield and was a standout on his teams even being the smallest on his team. As Gavin grew up, so did his level of play. He then played for Morris Elite, where he says, “My club coach, Coach Donato, was rigorous but helped me grow as a player the most.” In Gavin’s years of club and high school soccer, he has had 6 goals and 16 assists. Another coach that has had a huge impact was Coach Rehberger. Gavin says, “Rehberger was also a huge part of my high school soccer. He stepped in Junior year and although I’ve only been coached by him for a year, his belief in me and his close bond with my team made it more enjoyable. He was tough at times but he did push me to my limits and knew my abilities.” A good coach is crucial, Gavin believes and they really can change your experience with the sport.
As a younger player on the Wayne Hills Boys Soccer team has been recognized with many accomplishments such as all-county honorable mention, and second-team all-league, while also leading in assists sophomore year his first year on Varsity.
Roman Dates, a Senior at Wayne Hills gives us more insight on Gavin Sexton. Roman and Gavin have been friends since 6 and 7 years old. They played on the Wayne Soccer Club together where they became friends immediately. Roman noticed that “Gavin was always a standout. I remember him being the smallest player on the team and possibly the best. He was dedicated to soccer. He even dyed his hair blonde and got the same haircut as a pro soccer player. He always had the ball at his feet trying new skills, and the coaches loved his love for the sport.” Roman is also a part of the Boy’s Soccer team at Wayne Hills.
Roman Dates was a senior this year, an upperclassman to Gavin. When asking Roman about Gavin’s leadership skills, and his experience playing with him he tells us, “I enjoyed being Gavin’s teammate. Even though he was younger than me, I admired his dedication and leadership that was shown throughout the season. I often would forget that he was an underclassman because of his leadership skills”. Gavin tells us about his thoughts on his leadership skills and how teamwork is essential to the game.
Gavin plans on playing soccer in college at a competitive level. He says, “I work hard during the off-season to perform my best when it truly matters. I have been to many tournaments where Coaches from all around are watching and at times it’s stressful but I enjoy pushing myself.” Gavin is the type of person that when he gets his mind on something there’s no stopping until it’s done. He is excited for his senior year, and he hopes to secure a title this season whether it’s a state or county championship he feels as though his team deserves it for the talent and work ethic they all have.