2020-21 Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year: Aidan Payne
The Coastal Preps Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year is junior Aidan Payne from New Hanover.
Aidan’s Accomplishments
Aidan Payne had a breakout junior season by leading the area with 27 goals and adding nine assists to help New Hanover finish 15-1 and reach the NCHSAA 3A State Championship.
The junior forward scored in 14 of the 16 matches. He put home a season-best four goals in a season-opening 7-0 victory at North Brunswick on January 25. Payne also had four hat tricks.
During the magical playoff run, Payne put home six goals and dished out four assists in five matches. He scored the Wildcats’ lone goal in the state championship match against Weddington in the 58th minute to tie the score at 1-all.
More about Aidan
Favorite Food(s): Pizza and ice cream
Favorite Restaurant(s): Chipotle
Favorite Movie(s): Harry Potter series
Favorite TV Show(s): The Office
Favorite athlete(s): Lionel Messi
Favorite memory from the season: Scoring against Hoggard to win the game with just a few minutes left.
Favorite memory from your career: Scoring in the state final. It was such a great feeling even though we lost.
Favorite thing about your school or team: We are like a family on the soccer team. We really wanted to win, which made the season great.
Favorite vacation you’ve taken: Going to Ireland to see my dad’s family.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?: I would go to London.
Are you a fan of roller coasters? If so, what is the best roller coaster you’ve ridden?: Yes. The Fury 325 at Carowinds.
Do you like breakfast, lunch or dinner best?: Dinner
What is a skill you are bad at that you wish you could master?: I wish I was better at golf.
What app on your phone do you use the most?: Snapchat
Which local restaurant has the best hamburgers?: Five Guys
What toppings do you like on your pizza?: Sausage and pepperoni
What was your favorite TV show as a child?: SpongeBob SquarePants
If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: Lionel Messi, Muhammad Ali and George Washington
How did you pass the time during the COVID-19 lockdown? Watched lots of YouTube/TV and played soccer.