Jawad Ahmad

Zac Greenbaum ‘27 is the only freshman on the Varsity Soccer Team. At the end of pre-season, Zac was placed on Junior Varsity Soccer. Due to improvements, as well as injuries within the Varsity team leaving vacancies, Zac has been called up to Varsity Soccer permanently.

Zac has been very successful in his first season as left winger. “One highlight [has been] scoring a hat trick [three goals],” said Zac. “It was a really awesome game and an awesome moment.” His season has been full of exciting moments. “We also recently had a big win against Academy of the New Church on my birthday.”

Zac has played soccer at Friends Select for as long as he could, starting in middle school. “I have played soccer for 10 years,” said Zac. “I played all four years of middle school, and at the moment I don’t play outside of school.” Even though he’s not playing outside of school, he’s still putting the work in to adjust to the transition to Upper School Soccer. “I train outside of school with my father,” said Zac. “It’s a huge transition from playing against 10-year-olds to playing against adults”

Barry Lynch, Fourth Grade Teacher and Varsity Soccer coach, has high hopes for Zac’s future. “Zac showed his ability during pre-season, and it was clear he would be ready to step up to Varsity when called upon,” said Barry. “The hard work Zac put in during the off-season and pre-season paid off. This hard work enabled him to adapt well when making that jump to Varsity.”

Varsity Captain Bryce Dodd ‘24 considers Zac a serious asset to the Varsity Soccer team. “Having Zac on the team is a breath of fresh air,” said Bryce. “Knowing that Zac is only a freshman, the seniors can graduate knowing that the team is in good hands for a long time.”

Varsity Soccer is not exclusively positive, though. “On Varsity, I feel like I can’t really mess up,” said Zac. “On JV,  there would be more room for improvement and growth.” Even though his season has been going well, Varsity Soccer introduces challenges. 

As the Varsity Soccer team heads into the Quaker Cup, Zac will continue to be a key factor in the team’s success. “He still has a lot of learning to do, but I have been very impressed with the start Zac has made to his varsity career,” said Barry.