Kai Myles ’27 is in his second year as Boys Soccer Co-Captain. Raised in a family that cherished the sport, Myles started playing soccer at three years old.
Myles shared what his captaincy means to him, encouraging every individual player to be the best version of themselves on and off the field.
“It’s definitely a lot of ups and downs, and it’s more than just wearing an armband. It’s about being a second role model. It’s making sure everybody’s doing what they can do to the best of their ability, helping everybody become better day by day, [and] just being there for somebody,” said Myles.
As C0-Captain, Myles leads warm-ups and gives speeches before games. Adam Sealfon ’29 shares how Myles’ leadership has impacted the team’s mindset going into both games and practices.
“Usually before practice, we’ll have a ritual where Kai will lead. It involves breathing techniques, getting focused on the game, and doing everything needed in order to have the right mental mindset when going into practices or games. Usually when we’re warming up, he’s the most vocal guy there. He’s always saying, ‘you got the next one,’ and just being a positive guy overall,” said Sealfon.
Xavi Escobar ’30, a new player on the team this year, recalled a moment early in the season when Myles made an impact on him.
“We were doing this cone drill with Kai, and I personally wasn’t doing that great, but Kai took me aside and reminded me that I was here for a reason, and that I have to trust myself and just keep going, and then right after that, I thrived in that drill. Kai is also a helpful person. He believes in everybody on the team, and he knows that he can rely on us other players, and that we are all gifted and talented and we should feel very confident,” said Escobar.
In pursuit of a winning record, teams can often get caught up in performance. Myles emphasized the importance of not only focusing on results, but also remembering to have fun on the team.
“It’s always good to find the fun back in the game, whether it’s away from soccer or not. Outside, we hang out together. We’re always trying to find something to make soccer fun and enjoyable,” said Myles.
Sealfon, who has played on the team during both of Myles’ years as Co-Captain, reflected on how Myles has influenced his outlook.
“He’s taught me the value of being positive. When I started Andover, I was a really negative guy… and that would be in the back of my mind throughout [each day]. But Kai’s made me think of being a glass-half-full kind of guy [who’s] always looking for the positives,” said Sealfon.
Looking ahead, Myles said the team hopes to reach the Class A playoffs, and also described a change in team morale since last season.
“It would be a better season than last season for sure, and it’s definitely shown that already. Making the Class A playoffs would be a big feat for us, and I think it’s something we’re capable of if we give it one hundred percent every day. Last year, the morale wasn’t the best, but it’s definitely improved already. You can tell that we seem more connected and happier together,” said Myles.
Myles plans to continue his soccer career in college.
