Athletes of the Week: The Boys' Soccer Captains

Seniors Dolapo Adedokun, Silas Lane and Jack Baker captain Exeter boys’ varsity soccer. As a prospective Exonian, Lane met Adedokun and Baker over a team dinner during Experience Exeter prior to Lane’s lower year. The trio spent the night talking with each other and forming bonds that would last for years. These three experienced players lead the 27 boys on the soccer team. Each embracing the role of captain in their own ways, Baker, Lane and Adedokun work hard to advance their players throughout their games this season.

“Being a captain means to lead by example when faced with adversity and, being a captain means to own the results of games, and of our team’s actions off the field.”

Baker began playing soccer at the age of four. He recalled his mom bringing him to a summer clinic for the first time and falling in love with the sport. He expressed gratitude to his parents for all the support they have provided like “driving [him] up and down the coast for tournaments, encouraging [him] when [he] makes mistakes, really just bringing out [his] best self.”

Though Adedokun played basketball when he was younger, it was soccer that played an integral role in his life growing up. He began to play at age four. His father immigrated from Nigeria in 1993, and soccer is a big part of the culture there.

Lane was also influenced by his father, who played the game through high school and college and still plays to this day. “He would always say stuff like, ‘You should pick up this sport and one day you’ll be as good as I am’,” Lane recalled.

As three of the most experienced players on the team, Baker, Lane and Adedokun were elected by their teammates and coaches as the co-captains. “Being a captain means to lead by example when faced with adversity and, being a captain means to own the results of games, and of our team’s actions off the field,” Baker said. Baker went on to explain that as captain, he strives to help his teammate succeed on and off the field. “I want [my teammates] to feel comfortable in their day-to-day routines at a school as challenging as Exeter. I want them to love this place as much as I have over the past three years,” he explained.

Prep Matthew Ngai recalled an incident in which Baker showed his leadership when an inappropriate image was sent into the team group chat. “Although it wasn’t even that serious, Jack immediately told the person who sent it to cut it out and stopped the situation from possibly escalating,” Ngai said.  “That was very memorable for me and told me a lot about Jack’s character.”

Baker expressed his desire to deviate from the captain stereotype of being a “loud rambunctious guy whose purpose is to rally his teammates.” Instead, Baker brings a calm and collected demeanor to the team. His teammates praised the more reserved nature of Baker and the leadership he brings as well. Upper Nick Tilson said, “Jack brings a quiet sense of leadership, but he leads by example.” Ngai agreed with Tilson and also explained that Baker always commands the attention of the group when he is speaking. “Jack is good at keeping the team on track and maintain our discipline level. He speaks out when he doesn’t like things and everyone listens,” he explained.

For Adedokun, his priority is to help support the younger members of the group. “The biggest thing is to really make new teammates feel like they belong to the team and feel like they could’ve been on the team for the last three years or so,” Adedokun explained. “That makes a big difference when the team is almost more of a family and everyone feels like they play a part and everyone feels included.” Adedokun said he hoped to bring the same leadership he witnessed in one of his best friends and former teammate, Marvin Bennett ‘17. “He was just really spreading good vibes and making everyone feel happier. I want to be the kind of person where if someone is having a bad day, they know that [practice] is always going to be a good time.”

According to Ngai, Adedokun is “the clown of the group.” Prep Griffin Walker echoed Ngai’s sentiments, describing him as the “most vocal, leading the team and hyping us up to work hard and compete.”  However, although Adedokun “cracks people up,” he “also manages to be serious when needed and motivates the team every practice and game,” said Ngai. Upper Raj Das, who is both on the team and in Browning House with Adedokun, agrees.  “He’s always the one to calm my nerves and bring the team together no matter the circumstances,” he said. “He spreads love to everyone and everything around him, and Exeter is a better place for having a leader like him on campus.”

According to his teammates, Lane brings a balance of discipline and fun to the role of captain. Described as “friendly and easy-going” by Ngai, Lane is one of the most likeable members of the team. Das praised Lane for his ability to make other people feel more comfortable. “Silas is one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve ever known,” he said. “I’m inspired by his ability to connect on a human level to everyone on the team.”

Being the leaders of this team also means they’re some of the most skilled players on the field. As a defender, Baker’s proactivity is a huge asset for the team. “[He] wins a lot of balls in the air. He’s not afraid to go up on the attack, and gives us an aerial presence that every team needs,” Tilson said. Silas is a reliable center midfielder who is capable of controlling both the defense and offense. Ngai praised him for his smart plays on the field. “He has a fantastic vision and is extremely good at finding space,” he said. Adedokun plays the forward position and is one of the team’s leading scorers. Walker commented on Adedokun’s skill saying, “Dolapo creates offensive opportunities as a center forward, and has contributed to most if not all of our goals.”

The three captains have incorporated a number of traditions into the season. According to Tilson, Baker joined him and a few others in purchasing scooters and becoming part of the team’s “scooter gang.” The soccer videogame FIFA is also a team favorite. “Silas says I could never beat him… we’ve only played once, and he did win, but I think he talks better than he plays,” Tilson teased. In addition, the team closes every season off with a water polo game.

Throughout the season, the captains have worked hard to help the team succeed. Lane expressed his hope that the team will improve throughout the season. He also stressed the importance of keeping the team’s spirits up through reassurance and positivity and keeping the team mentally tough. “A lot of the time you go an entire match without putting the ball in the net. And that can be really tough mentally. As a captain, it’s making players realize that there’s still a lot to win in a game.” he explained.