Coe-Brown boys soccer senior Tom Maskwa has put together a strong final act.
In last week’s 3-1 win against ConVal, the top-ranked team in Division II, Maskwa erupted for a hat trick to earn the Bears a massive upset victory.
The forward has accumulated more than 50 goals and assists in his career at Coe-Brown. The Bears (3-6-3) are in the middle of a tight race for the last few D-II playoff spots, and they’ll need Maskwa to step up for four more games in hopes of making it in.
As we do each week, the first question for this week’s Athlete of the Week will be posed by the previous participant: Olive Kelley from Concord High volleyball.
Q: How do you keep your teammates motivated and positive while losing?
A: We’ve established the importance of a “next play” mentality. It has kept us in each game thus far and is what will enable our success going forward.
Q: As you reflect back on your years playing for Coe-Brown, what are some of your favorite memories?
A: The two distinct memories that always come to mind are when I scored the lone goal in the first round of playoffs during my freshman year and the back-to-back hat tricks I had last year during my junior year.
Q: How have you developed as a player through varsity soccer, and how have you improved your nose for goal?
A: For me, the biggest thing has always been confidence. I feel I’ve always had the ability to take over a game with skill, but it’s my gain in confidence over the past few years that has allowed me to be a dangerous player.
Q: What does it mean to be a senior leader to you, and how do you try to lead?
A: Being a senior leader means a lot, especially now that I’m able to use everything I’ve learned from my great captains and leaders over the years. Personally, my style of leadership is more about setting a standard than getting loud. I’d rather put in the hard work in practice and games to show my teammates I’m in it with them than be someone who yells that we’re not doing enough.
Q: This season has been full of ups and downs; what’s the most challenging part of managing the surges and lows of a season?
A: The hardest part about handling the ups and downs is maintaining our team’s identity. It can be difficult to stick to our game plan or to have faith in the team when things are so poor so, no matter the outcome, it’s important that we maintain good character and ensure that we don’t forget the team we are.
Q: As you look ahead to this final stretch, what are some goals you have for yourself and the team?
A: I think my teammates, coaches and I have all come to the understanding that these last few games are playoff games for us. That being said, these last few games are where I expect us to play our hearts out and to show teams what our true potential is.
Q: Do you have any pre-game routines, superstitions or good luck charms? What keeps you focused?
A: Before every game, I take three shots with each foot: one on the goal line, one on the 6-yard box and one on the penalty spot. My objective with this is to hit the center of the net each time. This has been my pre-game routine, which has allowed me to visualize kicks and to get myself into a rhythm come game time.