Haverford School striker Will Micheletti is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
Micheletti, a senior captain, has established himself as a potent soccer striker for the Fords this fall, with four goals and five assists in five games. In the Fords’ recent 1-0 win against two-time defending PIAA state champion Conestoga, the Franklin & Marshall commit orchestrated the offensive side for Haverford, who had numerous chances on goal against the Pioneers. Last fall, Micheletti received All-Main Line soccer honors – as a center midfielder.
Q: Throughout youth soccer, you played striker, but the last couple of years you were a center midfielder before being moved to striker this fall. What sparked your original interest in the striker position?
A: I was first attracted to the position as a kid while watching the Premier League and seeing players like Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, and Fernando Torres score goal after goal and dominate games.
Q: How do you see your leadership role as a team captain? Can you give us an example of how you exerted your leadership role as a captain?
A: I am honored to be one of the captains of the team this year. Having my fellow teammates select me is truly special and I hope I am able to maintain their trust this season. Up until mid-July, we did not know who our coaches were going to be. This left us in charge of the team, which meant organizing practices, tracking down new players, and setting up scrimmages. It was difficult, but it showed our ability to overcome adversity and helped us bond going into the season.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to your success as a striker this fall?
A: Coming into this year I was surprised to be playing striker as I am usually a center midfielder for club [soccer]. The key to my success has been my teammates providing me with good chances and being in the right place at the right time.
Q: What is your most vivid memory of the Fords’ 1-0 recent win against Conestoga? If it was a particular play, can you describe how the play unfolded, and your role in it?
A: Finally beating Conestoga after two competitive games in the last couple of years was an amazing feeling. The most vivid memory from this year’s game was being a part of the goal [scored]. I served the corner to the far post, M.J. Atkins made a great play heading it back across the goal, which set up Trent Davis’s finish.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most?
A: I think the strongest aspect of my game is my soccer IQ. I am able to create opportunities with my passing ability, make runs that create space for my teammates, and am a good finisher. Currently I am working on creating my own chances, whether it’s beating someone on the dribble or just getting myself a yard to get a shot off.
Q: Tell us a little about your pregame preparation the day of a game.
A: Before a game I usually like to hang out with some friends, grab something light to eat, and keep myself loose.
Q: Who have been your biggest soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?
A: My biggest soccer mentor would have to be my dad. He has been like a coach for me since I started playing, always giving me advice after games, kicking the ball around with me, and making me strive to be a better player every day. Some of the best advice he ever gave me was to juggle the ball for 5 minutes before each game just to get my touch and to settle my nerves.
Q: You wear jersey No. 10. Why did you pick this number – was there a particular reason?
A: It is a classic number and I have worn it my entire life. Getting the chance to wear 10 for Haverford now is a special opportunity for me.
Q: What attracted you to Franklin & Marshall? What do you think you might like to major in? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: Franklin & Marshall immediately felt like home when I visited. Their soccer program has the same bond as The Haverford School soccer team and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of that family. I am looking forward to spending the next four years there and I hope I can make an impact on the program. Currently I intend on majoring in business, but I also love history.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Haverford School? What sparked your interest in each of these activities?
A: I am active in Peer Counseling, where we help fellow students become part of the Haverford brotherhood. Through our soccer team, we work with special needs kids and do some play days with them. This has been a great experience.
Fun facts – Will Micheletti
Favorite book: The Great Gatsby.
Favorite author: Rick Riordan.
Favorite TV show: Entourage.
Favorite movie: Step Brothers.
Favorite athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Favorite pregame pump-up song: Survival by Drake.
Favorite team: Manchester United.
Favorite place to visit: Squam Lake, New Hampshire, and London, England.
Favorite pregame meal: Turkey hoagie from Wawa.
Person I most admire: “The person I admire the most is my father because he has given me the chance to attend The Haverford School through hard work and dedication, for which I will always be grateful.”
Family members: Parents Rob and Karin, sisters Claire (junior at Colgate) and Cami (sophomore at Agnes Irwin).
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
