The Sacred Heart Prep Varsity Boys Soccer team entered the season with confidence, depth, and high expectations. With a strong senior class, talented underclassmen, and a clear leader under head coach Brett Simon, the Gators were focused on building a successful team while staying disciplined and united.
One of the most notable aspects of this year’s team is the impact of younger players, including freshmen adjusting to the varsity level. One player, Alex Angelidis-Smith ‘29, who has played soccer since he was three or four years old, brings extensive club experience from Palo Alto Soccer Club and time playing in Germany. Now at SHP, he is learning how different high school soccer can be, especially playing against older, more physical opponents.
Angelidis-Smith says, “in high school, you can’t always play the same way you do in clubs. You have to pass more, make quicker decisions, and rely on teammates.” Playing alongside seniors has helped accelerate his development, as older players provide constant feedback and serve as role models both on and off the field.
Senior leadership remains the backbone of the program. Team Captain Lucas Moretti ‘26 has played soccer his whole life. Now he competes year-round at a high-level club. He emphasizes the balance between competitiveness and enjoyment at SHP. “High school is a lot more passion-driven,” he said. “It’s more fun and entertaining. Club is more serious and organized, but high school has a different energy.” That passion has translated into higher expectations following last season. “We’ve set higher expectations for ourselves,” he said. “We know we can do so much better, but we don’t want to get too cocky.” Moretti also noted that “our defense is definitely our biggest strength.” After seven games, the team “only conceded two goals in one game at most, and other than that, it’s been one or zero.”
Moretti also pointed to chemistry as a key advantage. “A lot of us have been playing with each other for a long time,” he said. “We know what each other likes to do on the field, and that makes it easier to stay more connected and move the ball.” As a leader, his focus is on maintaining discipline and focus. “Little mistakes can change a game. So staying focused and sticking to our game plan is huge for us this year.”
Head Coach Brett Simon believes leadership and mindset will ultimately define the team’s season. “They have possibilities to go very far,” he said, “but they are just possibilities.” Rather than focusing solely on results, Simon has emphasized daily habits. “We have to work hard, stay focused, and be good teammates,” pointing to key areas for growth. With a senior-heavy roster, Simon also stressed that leadership must be earned. “Sometimes seniors feel entitled to a certain amount of respect, but that has to be earned every day.” He hopes the older players set a standard that lasts beyond this season and strengthens the program for years to come.
As Sacred Heart Prep moves through the season, these gators are defined by a mix of experience, emerging youth, and strong chemistry. From freshmen learning the pace and physicality of varsity soccer to seniors leading with confluence and accountability, the team is united by a shared goal. Beyond wins or championships, Simon hopes players leave the season with lasting success. “I hope they have an experience they remember for the rest of their lives,” he said, “and that they are proud of what they accomplished together.” That shared experience is what gives meaning to every practice, game, and challenge they face together.
