Football Co-Captain Sebastian Haferd ’25 provides unwavering support and a focused leadership presence to the team. Having started on Junior Varsity in his Lower year and moving up to Varsity by the season’s end, Haferd leads by example, consistently giving his all in both practices and games. He ensures that his teammates are also putting in their best efforts while fostering an inclusive environment where every player feels supported and valued.
Byron Johnson ’25 has played JV and Varsity Football with Haferd since their Lower year and wrestled with him in the winter. He described their close connection through sharing time together.
“We both started on JV our Lower year, and we were swing players for a bit in the mid-season, and then we finished the season on Varsity. So, Sebi and I have been closed for a really long time now. He’s just a great guy in general, and we wrestled together in the winter too. Our athletics and also his friendliness have fostered this really strong, brotherly connection between us.” said Johnson.
Giovanni Rosenfeld ’27 highlighted his interaction with Haferd from the first team dinner during his freshman year. Rosenfeld noted how Haferd introduced him to the other coaches and veteran players during the dinner, which eased his introduction to the football team.
Rosenfeld said, “During team dinner, he went around, and he introduced the freshmen to the coaches and other players. We went around talking about our favorite hobbies outside of football, and it had a big impact on me and the other players.”
Haferd plays football for the love of the game. He mentioned that he enjoys football both on the field and from the sidelines. He noted how he loves to see the whole team working together on a great play.
“Football is such a fun game. There’s so much happening, with so many different things you have to do. It is simply the sport that brings me the most joy, even if I’m not on the field. When I’m on that field and see one of my teammates make a great play, catch a pass, run for a touchdown, or get a sack or a great tackle, I can really see how the whole team worked together to make that one play.” says Haferd.
Though not always the most vocal, Haferd leads through his actions, consistently giving his best effort on every play. He prides himself on being a team player, prioritizing the success of the team over individual recognition.
Haferd said, “I’d say I’ve never really been the most vocal, but I think in times of need, I’ll definitely speak up. I mostly like to lead by example, giving it 100 percent every play and not letting anyone slack off. I want us to always work hard to get better for the team. My strength is being a team player and doing what’s best for the team.”
Johnson emphasized Haferd’s quiet, example-driven leadership, noting that his impact on the field doesn’t require a loud voice. He added that Haferd consistently leads by example on every play, while also dominating both the defensive line and backfield.
“[Sebastian] really leads more by his play. He dominates on the D-line and is in the backfield every single play in games and even at practice. At the end of the day, he’s just a really good football player, and he leads by example. He doesn’t need to talk to do that. His work effort on and off the field is extremely noticeable.”
Haferd stressed the importance of comradery and family on the team. He noted that support is what will allow the team to succeed.
“We want to win, and we’re gonna do everything we can to win, but I think being a family is really important. Supporting each other and not getting down is how we’re gonna be able to get the next big wins that we need to turn our season around.”
