At only three years old, Boys Soccer Co-Captain Kai Myles ’27 immediately fell in love with his sport after watching his role model Cristiano Ronaldo post a dominant performance. Since then, Myles, who came to Andover from Kingston, Jamaica, has emerged as a top forward and leader on the team who combines high standards and a dedication to helping his teammates succeed.
Myles, who won an All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Honorable Mention last season, described his leadership style as organized and goal-oriented, ensuring that everyone on the team is prepared and giving their best effort.
“My biggest strength is definitely the constant effort to be the best I can be. It sets a great example for different players to get to that level and help everyone realize it is possible,” said Myles.
“I try to be a leader that gets the best out of everyone. I want everyone to do well, so I hold everyone to a high level. I try to be the ‘enforcer’ captain, if that makes sense, making sure that everything is organized and all is done.”
Myles’ approach to his captaincy has resonated with his teammates. Defender Arthur Boisvert ’27 praised the Co-Captain for his ability to balance intensity during games, which reflects positively onto his teammates’ morale and camaraderie off the field.
“[Kai] holds high standards and makes sure we work as hard as possible every day,” said Boisvert.
“In games, he motivates us with his own motivation. He puts in a lot of effort as an example for us to do the same, and it works. Often, he [leads] the moments to press the other team.”
Boisvert also highlighted how Myles’s presence influences the team’s cohesion and energy, emphasizing that the team naturally listens and responds to Myles without him needing to over-direct.
“I have only known Kai for a month now, and I can already say that one thing that makes him stand out is how people listen to him when he talks. He does not over-communicate like a lot of captains do, but he does not need to. The team listens when he talks. Also, when the players on the field have a [rough] time in the game, those are moments where he might become more intense to wake everyone up,” said Boisvert.
Midfielder Sunny Yu ’28 also highlighted Myles’ role in motivating the team before games, emphasizing how Myles inspires his teammates with the pre-game ritual of circling up to give a speech.
“We always have speeches and traditions before a game. The starters will kneel down in a huddle in the middle of the pitch and our [Co-]Captain will give speeches to motivate all of us and get us fired up,” said Yu.
At the Andover/Exeter (A/E) duel match in 2023, Myles posted two goals as a Freshman, contributing to the team’s 5-0 victory. Myles, reflecting on his three years with the team, mentioned the noteworthiness of that moment and also the pride he takes in his growth as both a player and a leader.
“It was the first time I experienced something like that with a crowd like that. It was extremely special to me,” said Myles.
“[I’m proud of] growing up to lead the team. Sometimes I take it for granted how far I have come as a player, but being a [Co-]Captain always makes me realize that I have come from far and I should always be proud of myself.”
