Radnor’s Ryan Peter is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The junior forward led the PIAA Class 3A District One boys’ soccer champions in goals scored, with nine. An All-Central League second team selection this fall, Peter scored the game-winner in overtime against Bishop Shanahan in the district semifinals, putting Radnor into the state tournament for the first time since 2004. He also scored a goal in Radnor’s 2-0 victory in the state tournament opener 

Q: What do you think was the key to your offensive production this fall?

A: I think our aggressive style of play and athleticism allowed us to be so productive offensively this season. We had a good mix of skill guys like Miles Maesaka and Jack Miller, and athletes like Phil Regan and I, the bash brothers, which created a lot of chances offensively for us.  I love the high-press and fast style, so our game plan really played to my strengths.

Q: What was your vivid memory of the District One championship final? Can you share it with us?

A: When Andrew Boujoukos scored the game winning goal in overtime. That game was really about the seniors and the goal put a statement on the end of their season. They were great leaders and teammates and to see everything come together over the course of the season really meant a lot to us.

Q: Can you describe for us your game-winning goal in the district semifinal, how the play developed, your role in the play, and your first thought when you saw the ball go in the net?

A: I was dribbling the ball down the right sideline with a few guys on my back, so I did what coach [Joe] Caruolo told us to do all day at practice, which was to blindly hit the ball into a dangerous area.  I crossed the ball across the box to Bobby Kirsch, who moved the ball to Peter Miller at the top of the box.  I was running toward the goal looking for a rebound, but Peter Miller’s shot rolled right to my feet and I took a shot.  When the ball went in the net I got tackled right away by Andrew Boujoukos as the rest of team piled on top of me. It was a great feeling that I’ll never forget.

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

A: I think the strongest aspect of my game is my speed and work rate. I like to play aggressively and make opposing defenses make mistakes. Currently, I am working on knowing when to slow down and stop on the ball, rather than sprinting every play.

Q: You wear No. 11 for Radnor? Was there a reason you picked that number?

A: I’ve had the number since I first started playing soccer and it just stuck with me.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: I usually have some sort of pasta and drink plenty of water all day. When I get home from school I usually turn on some music and stretch, then take a shower or bath before I leave home for the game.

Q: Who have been your biggest soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?

A: My biggest soccer mentors include Taylor Sims, Rodrigo Nogales, Mike Welsh, my Dad, and of course the 2016 Radnor soccer coaches: Coach Caruolo, Timmy McGrath, Joe Gangl, and Kyle Shilcock-Elliott. Coach Sims, Coach Rod, and Coach Mike have been the coaches in my life who have really taught me the basics of the game. They have put a lot of time and effort into developing me as a player and as a person and have pushed me to be the best I can be. My dad has always been my biggest mentor in sports and in life, always reminding me that I can do anything if I’m confident and believe in myself.  He’s given me the confidence and guidance that I’ve needed along the way and always kept me humble. Finally, the coaches this season were unbelievable, creating a really close bond with all the coaches and players played a huge role in our success. We all loved coming to practice everyday and competing against each other, and our coaches were some of my best friends and made practice interesting every day.

Q: Do you participate in any other sports or extracurricular activities at Radnor? What sparked your interest in these activities?

A: I also play Lacrosse at Radnor which has really helped me become a better soccer player and all around athlete.

Q: Do you plan to play soccer in college? What are your favorite colleges at the present time? What do you think you might like to major in? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: I plan on playing soccer and/or lacrosse in college if the opportunity presents itself. My favorite colleges right now include Penn State, Dickinson, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and North Carolina.  I plan on pursuing a business related career path.

Fun facts – Ryan Peter

Favorite book: The Giving Tree.

Favorite author: Shel Silverstein.

Favorite TV show: It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

Favorite movie: Interstellar.

Favorite athlete: Allen Iverson.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Litty by Meek Mill.

Favorite team: Villanova basketball.

Favorite place to visit: San Diego, Calif.

Favorite pre-game meal: chicken and broccoli pasta from Paula’s.

Favorite color: Blue.

Person I most admire: “My dad because he works so hard in everything he does and supports me in all my decisions. He is the best role model for me and inspires me to be the best man I can be.”

Birth date: Dec. 28, 1999.

Family members: Older brothers Greg, Cole and Elliot; parents Noelle and Greg.

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)