The Maize boys soccer team enters the season with plenty of experience, including a strong group of upperclassmen. Cohen Myers hopes that experience, combined with the team’s chemistry and leadership, can propel the Eagles to the state tournament.
“With so many leaders on this team, we are hoping this is the year we can make a deep run, win regionals and finally make it to state,” Myers said.
The season also carries a special significance for Myers because his younger brother is joining the team as a freshman. It gives the brothers an opportunity to share the field and practice together, something Myers knows may only happen once.
“My brother is a freshman on the team this year, and it’s the first and likely only time that we will get to practice and share the field together,” Myers said.
Myers has spent the offseason preparing for his final high school season through Maize’s summer workout program, which includes weight training and scrimmages. The work has helped him maintain his fitness, build strength and prepare for the demands of the season.
He also continued playing club soccer with Wichita Surf, giving him another opportunity to develop his skills and compete at a high level.
As a center back, Myers understands that his role often does not show up in a traditional stat sheet. Instead, his job is to help keep opposing teams from scoring and organize the defense.
“We only gave up 13 goals last year,” Myers said.
This season, Myers is focused on improving his 1-on-1 defending while also becoming a more vocal leader. He has traditionally led through his play, but he wants to expand his leadership role from the backline.
“I’ve always been a leader by example on the field, and this year I want to be more vocal and communicate better from the backline,” Myers said.
He worked on that aspect of his game throughout the summer by making a conscious effort to communicate during workouts, scrimmages and training sessions.
For Myers, however, individual accomplishments are secondary to what Maize can accomplish together. His primary goal is to help the Eagles win a regional championship and earn a trip to state.
“I really care about the team goals, they are the most important,” Myers said. “If we succeed as a team, I’m sure the individual awards will follow.”
Myers also hopes to earn first-team AVCTL honors for a second consecutive season while pursuing All-Metro and All-State recognition.
But with his final high school season approaching, Myers’ biggest motivation remains the opportunity to compete alongside his teammates — and, for the first time, his younger brother.
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