For four years, Koen Savaiano has been a familiar presence in the Derby High School boys soccer program. This season, however, his role will look different.
An injury will keep Savaiano off the field, but the senior midfielder still plans to make an impact for the Panthers through leadership, experience and energy.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed I can’t play on the field, but I can still contribute by being a leader and supporting the younger guys,” Savaiano said.
Savaiano has spent four years learning Derby’s system and understanding what the coaching staff expects from its players. Now, he hopes to use that experience to help prepare the younger players on the team.
“I’ve been a part of the team for four years, so I know the team and the system and what the coaches expect,” Savaiano said. “I want to be like an extra coach helping the younger guys, keeping everyone locked in and bringing the energy.”
The change in role is difficult for a player who has spent much of his high school career competing on the field, but Savaiano remains focused on finding ways to contribute.
“Even though I’m not playing, I still want to make an impact and win,” he said.
Savaiano enters his senior season after a successful junior campaign. He scored four goals and added two assists last season while earning Derby’s team MVP award. He also received honorable mention recognition as an AVCTL midfielder.
His high school career has provided plenty of memories, many of which center around the relationships he has built with his teammates.
“My favorite memories from high school soccer are all the connections I’ve made with my teammates, the long bus rides celebrating a win and celebrating goals with the team,” Savaiano said.
One memory stands above the rest. During his junior season, Savaiano scored the game-winning goal on Senior Night against Eisenhower before celebrating with the Derby student section.
“Some of my best memories are when I was a younger player getting reps on varsity trying to prove myself and my junior year when I scored the game winner on Senior Night against Eisenhower and celebrated with the student section,” Savaiano said.
Now, Savaiano hopes to create one final chapter with the Panthers, even if he has to do it from a different position of leadership.
While he won’t be able to contribute with his play on the field, Savaiano believes his experience can still help Derby’s younger players develop and keep the team focused throughout the season.
For Savaiano, making an impact doesn’t necessarily require being on the field. It means being a teammate, a leader and someone the Panthers can count on when they need him.
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