10/31/24 Captains of the Week: Boys’ Varsity Soccer

Courtesy of @peamvsoccer

By ANGELA HE, HENRY WISE, and FORREST ZENG

Under the blazing lights of the Academy’s soccer stadium, the grass sits quietly in anticipation. With a cheer from the crowd, onto the field runs Exeter’s boys’ varsity soccer team. At the front of the pack are their captains, seniors Jaylen Bennett and Sebastian Hiller, roaring onto the field. 

Hailing from Maryland and Florida respectively, Bennett and Hiller are both passionate leaders of the Big Red team. As captains, they strive to set a good example for their teammates and to bring out the team’s fullest potential. 

“From the start, soccer has been a passion of mine—it’s always been about improving, challenging myself, and being part of a team,” Bennett commented on his early experiences with the sport. “I began playing soccer at Exeter during my prep year. I tried out, made the team, and was thrilled to be a part of it. From that moment, I felt proud to represent Exeter on the field.”

Hiller’s connection to soccer began at a young age as well. “I joined because my dad always made sure I had a soccer ball, and through that, I fell in love,” Hiller reflected. The encouragement Hiller received early on had clearly set the foundation for the future.

Hiller, who has played the challenging role of goalkeeper, sees discipline as the foundation of his success. “To never give up,” he emphasized, describing the mentality he brings to every game. “There have been times where as a goalkeeper I could’ve been out of the play and just let my players deal with it, but through hustle and perseverance I can make those difficult saves.” 

Many of their teammates admire Bennett and Hiller’s discipline—a mindset that has proved crucial for the team. “We’re very disciplined because of them. They always make us come on time and run sprints,” lower Joshua Mullen described. 

“They both inspire me to work harder and play with passion,” lower Ari Benenson said. “They are very disciplined, and they always show up when it matters most.” 

Bennett and Hiller are not role models for just younger players on the team. “They both bring a lot of leadership to the team and they set a great example for all the guys, even the older ones,” described postgraduate Kai Dunham. 

Apart from setting an example for other students, Bennett and Hiller also put a great emphasis on the mindset of their team, providing energy, respect, and unity. “As a captain, I believe the pre- and post-practice or match talks are crucial,” Bennett described. “Everything on the field starts with our mentality. These conversations help build confidence and ensure everyone is in the right mindset. When we align mentally, we become a team that’s hard to beat, both physically and mentally.”

“Most importantly, I’ve discovered that creating a positive environment—by smiling, encouraging others, and being approachable—makes a huge difference to team dynamics,” Bennett continued.

Hiller also values focus on the field, similar to what his teammates have noted about him, adding, “The most important thing is discipline because I make sure that we are always in line and not goofing around. That’s why you’ll hear me screaming sometimes on the pitch”

“They’re always trying to lift us up, even when we’re not playing well,” noted Mullen. “Jaylen’s also in my dorm, and he was probably one of the first people I met. That was pretty cool.”

“Win or lose, they really bring the team together and that inspires each of us to work for each other as a team,” Dunham commented. “They’re both super funny and outgoing, so if you don’t know them yet, get to know them.”

Benenson agreed. “They were super welcoming from the start, and they bring great leadership and passion to the team.”

Having played soccer for four years at Exeter, both captains have made dear memories with their teammates. “One of my favorites is from my prep year when my roommate, Caspar O’Connell, scored his first-ever goal for Exeter, and we all ran to the corner to celebrate with him. I also remember scoring my first goal against New Hampton and how my teammates embraced me,” described Bennett. “And I’ll never forget scoring the game-winner during my last Exeter family weekend from about 35 yards out. These moments are ones I’ll carry with me forever.”

For Hiller, he mentioned his favorite memory as “making those sick saves against Loomis Chaffee. When I make a great save it just feels so good since I feel like I’m invincible.”

“I remember when we went to a hotel in Albany and spent time with each other for a game,” described Mullen.

“Our comeback against Choate was amazing as well,” said Dunham. 

“I love this team, and my time playing soccer at Exeter will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Bennett concluded. “It’s been an unforgettable experience that has shaped me both on and off the field.”

These core memories that the captains have developed alongside their teammates goes to show the effectiveness of their leadership in both team building and training.