2021 Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year: Aidan Payne

For the second straight season, the Coastal Preps Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year is senior Aidan Payne from New Hanover.

Aidan’s Accomplishments

New Hanover has a rich tradition in boys soccer, but no player has ever had a season as good as Aidan Payne.

The talented senior forward set a new school record for goals in a season with 54 to help the Wildcats earn their first state title and finish with a 27-0-1 record.

Payne was at his best on the biggest stage. He scored all four goals in a 4-2 victory over Cardinal Gibbons in the 4A East final and then put in a pair of goals in a 3-0 win against Hough in the state championship.

He had at least once in 23 of the team’s 28 games and finished with three or more goals on nine occasions. His career high of five goals came in a mercy-rule win over South Brunswick on Sept. 23.

Payne also finished the season with 11 assists.

More about Aidan

Favorite Food(s): Pizza 

Favorite Restaurant(s): Islands

Favorite TV Show(s): The Office

Favorite Athlete(s): Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 

Favorite memory from this season: Scoring in the state final.

Favorite memory from your career: Winning the state championship as a senior.

Favorite thing about your school or team: The support we received from the students and staff throughout the season.

Favorite holiday: Christmas

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Ice cream

What app on your phone do you use the most?: Clash Royale

If you could shop for free at one store, which one would you choose?: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Would you rather hang out by the pool or on the beach?: On the beach

Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot weather

What is a skill you are bad at that you wish you could master?: Playing a musical instrument

Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theatre?: At home

If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Drake