Haverford School’s Andrew Kirwan is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Oct. 17-23)
The senior captain, an All-Inter-Ac boys soccer defensive back last year, was moved to the forward spot this fall for the Fords and has scored more than a half-dozen goals, including many key ones – both goals in Haverford’s 2-0 win vs. Malvern Prep, and the game-winner recently against Penn Charter. Haverford School head coach Keith Cappo said, “Andrew’s best attribute is that he is always ready and willing to do whatever he needs to do in order to help his team. If we need a goal, he is the player we can count on, and if we need to protect the lead, he is someone we can put in the back to lock it down. He takes instruction and leads by example day in and day out, and he is a joy to be around each day.” Next fall, Kirwan will play soccer for Colby College.
Q: You’ve scored a number of key goals for Haverford School this fall. Which goal do you remember best – can you describe how that play developed, and your role in it? What do you think have been the biggest keys for your scoring this season?
A: The goal I remember best has to be my second one against Malvern Prep. The ball hit the ref, so we had to take a drop, then when my teammate passed me the ball on the wing I attacked the fullback and center back and beat them. Then I shot bottom right and it went in. I think my teammates have done really well in getting the ball in the box, which has helped my scoring a lot.
Q: How do you see your team leadership role (both on and off the field) as a team captain?
A: I have been trying to lead by example. On the field, that’s working as hard as you can, never giving up, and always sticking with my teammates through thick and thin. Off the field, I just try to be as positive as I can with my teammates and supportive.
Q: What caused the switch from defense to forward? What do you like best about playing forward?
A: I have played defense specifically left back my entire life. After not scoring many goals last year, I decided that I would try playing higher up the field in hopes of creating more goals. I love having the opportunity to score goals for my team especially in a 0-0 game.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?
A: I think the strongest part of my game is 1v1s. I have worked the most on developing my right foot recently.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Who have been your top soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: My club coach when I was younger, James Morris, has been someone who has been very influential on my career. He has always looked out for my best interests as a player and given me the tools to keep improving. My cousin, Luke Macaione, who graduated from Haverford in 2020, has also had a huge influence on me because he always gives me the best advice, whether that’s soccer or life in general.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 10 for Haverford School soccer. Is there a reason you picked this number?
A: I always loved the number and my cousin wore it as a senior as well.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: I usually eat a sandwich for lunch, make sure to drink a lot of water during the day, and then listen to music in the locker room for a while before the game.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Haverford School? What do you plan to major in at Colby College?
A: I like economics at Haverford. I also plan to major in Economics as of now at Colby.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Haverford School other than soccer?
A: Model UN, Fishing Club, Entrepreneurship Club
Fun facts – Andrew Kirwan
Favorite book: Shoe Dog.
Favorite author: Stephen King.
Favorite TV show: Friday Night Lights.
Favorite movie: Step Brothers.
Favorite athlete: Joel Embiid.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Colors (Audien Remix).
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: London.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken and rice.
Person I most admire, and why: “My mom because she always works so hard and is the most caring person I know.”
Family members: parents Michael and Katie, sisters Grace, Caroline and Bess.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
