Player of the Week: Zeke Tocci

Zeke Tocci

Zeke Tocci

Zeke Tocci is always ready to undertake any task that will help his team succeed.
“Early in the season, Zeke was appointed the task of being the middle defensive player for our team. While apprehensive, he took this role on like I knew he would,” said Lake Region varsity boys’ soccer Coach Mike Chaine. “Zeke’s drive and determination make him a worthy adversary despite giving up size to most of his attacking opponents. Zeke’s ball skills that he brought from his midfield experience allow him to transition the ball well from the backfield to the midfield whether by dribbling or passing.”
Coach Chaine believes Zeke’s most important attribute is his leadership ability.
“As a sophomore, Zeke learned to lead his defensive teammates in establishing a very productive off sides trap, which had several experienced teams cut up with as many as three offensive players off sides at the same time,” Coach Chaine said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Zeke will continue to build leaderships skills and will ultimately be one of the chosen leaders of this team.”
In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Zeke is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.
The Tocci File
Name: Zeke Tocci
Year in School: Sophomore
Town: Naples
Parent: Holly Polk
Sports you play: Soccer, lacrosse, ski
School organizations: Varsity Club
School honors: Honor roll (everything higher than a 85 average).
Q. Best piece of advice you have received? My coach, who told me to never give up and no matter what the score we will be champions and will be happy with what we have accomplished.
Q. Who is your biggest fan? My mom, Holly Polk, because she does everything she can to make my games, and being a single parent, it is very hard to let me play sports and get me to practice.
Q. I know I have had a good sports day when…After the game, I can realize that I played a great game and having coach tell me I did good along with my keeper, Michael Rust.
Q. What is your favorite sport? Since I play three sports, it’s hard to pick one so my favorite sport is whatever sport I am playing at the moment because I don’t have time to worry about other sports during the current season.
Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change…My height. I am a pretty small kid and it’s very hard to get head balls and mark up on very tall, skilled players on the pitch.
Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate? A good teammate is someone who is there for his team on and off the field. I cannot single out one team member because my “family” is all great teammates.
Q. What do you believe you bring to your team? Being a sophomore underclassman, I bring as much leadership as I can. I give my hardest work to the pitch and my family.
Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? Someone who is patient and understands that people make mistakes. Being a defender, if I mess up, it will probably end up in a goal, which is frustrating but my coach and keeper, Captain Rusty, help me get my head in the game.
I just want to give a shout out to my team for playing their hearts out and never giving up no matter what the score. These gentlemen have been through h--- and back to improve and I guarantee that this team had way more heart than any other team in our league. The bond I have made with this team is like no other. These boys are my brothers no matter where we go from here. I will always remember this season which I fought my hardest for my team. Brothers. Teammates. This team was truly my family this fall, and I don’t know where this season would have gone if we didn’t play with the heart we did.