Calling for a pass on the right side of the pitch, Connor Hewitt ’25 receives the ball and charges up the field, cutting inside and launching a perfect cross into the box for one of his teammates. Following the attack, Hewitt drops back and commands the defense back into shape, stopping any chance for the opponent to score. In control of both the offense and defense, Hewitt has been a key player in the team’s success this season.

Growing up, Hewitt did Taekwondo as well, but eventually settled on the soccer. His decision ultimately came down to a love for the game and the people who played on his team.

“I think it really was just my friends that made me continue to play soccer,” said Hewitt. “My team was really good, and I really just love the game of soccer. It’s super fun.”

Since then, Hewitt says he has continuously been motivated to improve through watching the the world of professional soccer. He looks up to athletes who are the best at what they do in order to continue improving in his position at right back.

“My favorite soccer player is probably Sergio Ramos. I really like his attitude in the game and how he plays with a lot of heart,” said Hewitt. “Before games, I always watch soccer games. I like to watch center backs play because I feel that I’m good at attacking, but defense is what I’m wary about.”

Ryan Walsh, the head coach for the boys varsity soccer team, was quick to notice Hewitt’s progression over the years, attributing his exciting character and dogged personality as quality traits.

“When Connor first tried out with the soccer team, he was a young freshman and he was super energetic and you can tell that he loves soccer,” said Walsh. “He played varsity for us sophomore year, but he didn’t play. We had a meeting before the offseason just about his progress in training and stuff, and he came back his junior year great from the very beginning. He was so much stronger. He was much better in the air. He’s probably become the best right back in the county.”

Hewitt’s strong impression doesn’t just stop with his coaches, but is felt through the team as well. Having spent many years as his teammate, both on the high school and club teams, Brian Donis ’25 knows what Hewitt brings to the table.

“Connor is someone who’s a good friend and teammate since I was in first grade,” said Donis. “He may not wear the captain’s armband, but he gives everyone that reassurance that we need. He always makes his presence felt, he is very loud and clear.”

According to his coaches, what sets Hewitt’s leadership apart is that he doesn’t just order people around. He gives out directions and is respected based on the connections he has with his teammates.

“I think my leadership really comes from the practices and team bonding. It’s important to be a role model for them as well, to help them through practice,” said Hewitt. “My leadership comes from getting everybody to talk and encourage them, such as if they score a good goal or make a good save.”

However, Hewitt faced setbacks this season, most notably the injuries he picked up.

“Injuries happen a lot, especially with high school soccer because we play so many games in a short amount of days,” said Walsh. “Guys that play maximum minutes like Connor, you have to manage their workloads in practice. So there was a period of time when he wasn’t really training because we had to deal with his groin and knee issues, and we had to make sure he was ready for games.”

Even with the loss in the semifinal of the NJSIAA Group 4 tournament, the Little Tigers had success, winning both the Colonial Valley Conference and the Central Jersey Group 4 titles. After losing many important senior players from last year, Hewitt is immensely proud of the season that his team had.

“I think that everyone really stepped up to fill the shoes of the kids who left, and all the new kids that were a part of our team this year stepped up too,” said Hewitt. “As the season started, we didn’t have much of a connection, but we developed as the season went onwards. In the end, that’s how you win championships: by having a team, not a group of individuals.”

In the future, Hewitt is considering playing club soccer when he goes to college, but is also thinking of playing lacrosse and hockey for fun. In the end, Hewitt is making the most of his time at PHS, and is loving every minute of it.

“I would love to continue playing my athletic career, but nothing super serious,” said Hewitt. “I’ll keep going to the field for soccer and to just kick the ball around with friends, so that I can keep my skills together.”