Matt Levins - The Hawk Eye / John Gaines Photography
Jordan Edgington had some very big shoes to fill this season.
With high-scoring foreign exchange student Alessandro Markomichelakis having graduated, the bulk of the Notre Dame-West Burlington high school boys soccer team’s offense fell on Edgington’s shoulders.
Or feet, as the case may be.
No problem.
All the ND-WB sophomore did was score a school-record 42 goals, tied for tops in the state, and assist on 11 others for 95 points, third-best in the state.
No Markomichelakis?
No problem.
“It was a great season. I loved having the opportunity to step up,” said Edgington, The Hawk Eye’s Boys Soccer Player of the Year. “I had a great team to be with. We capitalized on every run and had a great season.”
Edgington bided his time last season, watching and learning from Markomichelakis. He still finished with 17 goals and five assists for 39 points as Markomichelakis drew the attention of opposing defenses.
Edinngton didn’t have that luxury this season. Instead, he was the one drawing the attention of opposing defense as his goals kept piling up.
“I really didn’t think I would get that many goals,” Edgington said. “With Alessandro gone, I saw it was my time to shine. Last year I competed with Alessandro. I was used to playing with him. He helped me so much last year, telling me what to do and where I should be.”
Edgington said he developed his skills playing for Southeast Soccer Academy. It was there he learned his nifty footwork and how to create space to launch shots on goal.
“They taught me a lot,” Edgington said. “They taught me to be a good player and a good person.”
Edgington bonded with his teammates, creating a chemistry that made the Nikes a fun team to watch. Their passing ability was second to none.
“I love my team,” Edgington said. “Liam (Lowary) gave me some great through balls. Tatum (Warner), Grif (Griffin Kies) and Luke (Carper) all had great passes. We had over 100 assists, a school record. All of our passes were great.”
Edgington said he benefited from the knowledge of assistant coach Parker Davis, a sensational player in his days with ND-WB.
“He pushed me to get better,” Edgington said. “He was such a great player. I’m glad they brought him here to teach me stuff.”
With all but two players back next year, Edgington is looking to get back to state.
“We have our whole offense coming back next year,” Edgington said. “We are going to be really good next year. I’m ready for next year to get here.”