With one final season ahead of him, Caden Papacek is focused less on personal statistics and more on helping Maize South make a run at a state championship.
After helping the Mavericks finish 18-2-1 and reach the state runner-up spot last season, Papacek is eager to return to the field with his teammates for one final opportunity.
“I am very excited to play alongside my teammates one last year,” Papacek said.
Papacek spent the offseason preparing for that opportunity with a demanding training schedule. His work included sessions with a private trainer, weightlifting, speed training and team high school sessions.
He often combined all of those elements into his training five days a week.
The goal was to make sure he was prepared to take on an even larger role when the season began.
One of Papacek’s biggest areas of focus has been becoming more effective offensively, particularly when it comes to scoring and creating opportunities.
He spent the offseason working on his stamina, dribbling and shooting, while also placing an emphasis on building confidence.
“One area I have been wanting to improve on is scoring and creating,” Papacek said. “Mostly in the offseason I just worked on my stamina, dribbling, and shooting and most important confidence.”
That confidence will be important as Papacek looks to help lead a Maize South team that enters the season with high expectations.
The Mavericks have already experienced what it takes to make a deep postseason run. Last season, Maize South went 18-2-1, finished second and showed it could compete with the best teams in the state.
Now, Papacek wants to take the final step.
“I hope to win state and lead my team there,” he said.
While Papacek has individual goals for improvement, he said personal statistics are not what motivate him most.
“I don’t really care for the stats as long as I lead my team in the right way,” Papacek said.
Last season, Papacek contributed two goals and 13 assists in 21 games. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates helped him earn All-League honorable mention recognition.
Now, with one season remaining, Papacek is embracing the responsibility that comes with being one of the team’s experienced players.
The numbers may not be his priority, but his impact on the Mavericks could be measured in much more than goals and assists.
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