Player of the Year: MF Blake Wilson, Sr., Steinbrenner
Why we picked him: Wilson captained a talent-rich Steinbrenner squad with 20 goals and six assists, but his contributions were far greater than what could be seen on a stat sheet. Wilson helped put a new program on the map, playing in a state championship game as a junior and helping the Warriors earn their first district title. Wilson's versatility on the field altered opposing coaches' game plans, and he shined in Steinbrenner's 2014 postseason run, scoring two goals, including the winner in overtime, in the Warriors' 4-3 region quarterfinal win against St. Petersburg.
Most impressive accomplishment: During his junior year, Wilson helped lead the Warriors to the 4A state final, but playing on high school soccer's biggest stage isn't the greatest memory Wilson said he'll take with him. Four of the first five years Steinbrenner was open, the Warriors had advanced to the district championship game, but lost. This go around, Wilson made sure history wouldn't repeat itself. Tied 1-all with East Lake in overtime, Wilson took a shot from 30 yards out and scored in the 89th minute to deliver Steinbrenner's first district title in the sport. "Having your whole team dog pile you, there's just no words to describe a feeling like that," Wilson said. "It's probably one of my greatest memories ever.
Future plans: Wilson has signed to play soccer at Georigia Southern University. The senior said he had several options to play at the next level, but once he took his official visit in Statesboro, Ga., he said he felt right at home at his future school. "I fell in love with the campus, I fell in love with the coaches, the teammates. I definitely just wanted to be a part of that team," Wilson said. "That's where I feel l belonged."
Did you know? Wilson, who grew up playing baseball as well as soccer, played fall ball for Steinbrenner during his freshman year, but, much to the dismay of his father — a former Florida State shortstop — Wilson decided to quit the sport before his first high school regular season to focus on soccer.
First team
F Luke Gilcrease, Jr., Cambridge Christian: Gilcrease had team-high totals in goals (26) and assists (14).
F Alan Hackney, Sr., King: Hackney led King with 17 goals, taking 155 shots, an average of almost six per game.
F Eric Lint, Jr., Newsome: Lint led the potent Wolves' offense with 26 goals.
F Miguel Ridruejo, So., Carrollwood Day: Ridruejo scored 31 goals, leading all Hillsborough County scorers and recording 21 more than the Patriots' second leading scorer.
MF Austin Cobb, Jr., Newsome: Cobb was second on the team in scoring, recording 23 goals.
MF Jake Van Der Luit, Jr., Newsome: Despite missing two months of the season, Van Der Luit finished with 15 goals and 12 assists to help lead the Wolves to the region final.
MF Jacob Vila, Sr., Jesuit: Vila had a team-leading 15 goals and six assists for the region finalist Tigers.
D Michael Conlon, Sr., Jesuit: Conlon led a defense that allowed 20 goals in Jesuit's region finalist campaign.
D Noah Keene, Sr., Steinbrenner: Keene's powerful leg aided the Warriors in set pieces and the defender added seven goals of his own.
D Conner Fitzgerald, Jr., Newsome: Fitzgerald led a Newsome defense that allowed 24 goals in 24 games.
GK Christian Knight, Sr., Steinbrenner: Knight gave up just 17 goals, recording 58 saves and 10 shutouts in 20 games.
Second team
F Austin Labban, Sr., Steinbrenner
F Christian Olvey, Sr., Cambridge Christian
F Blake Rehl, Jr., Hillsborough
F Nathaniel Rivas, Jr., Cambridge Christian
F Andres Saenz, So., Steinbrenner
MF Lance So., Esposito, Berkeley Prep
MF Quinton Kauchick, Sr., Berkeley Prep
D Kyle Dagostino, Sr., Berkeley Prep
D Brett Wilcosz, Sr., Steinbrenner
D Zach Yarish, Sr., Steinbrenner
D Michael McElroy, Sr., King
GK Randy Chesson, Sr., Brandon
Honorable mention
Alonso: Zac Cinko, Yoel Porley, Marcus Silva; Berkeley Prep: Austin Iglehart, Warren Backman, Andrew Kenny; Bloomingdale: Tyler Pletcher; Brandon: Sebastian Acevedo, Dylan Dyer, Ryan Chesson, Patrick Feehan; Carrollwood Day: Spencer Peek, John Frost; Chamberlain: Austin Cruz, Caleb George; East Bay: Yanny Cruz, Tyler Jaworski; Freedom: Chad Fox, Ben Wasserman, Chandler Howe; Gaither: Jonathan DaSilva, John Lopez; Hillsborough: Tim Elko, Jean Rony Baptiste, Matias Marchi; Jefferson: Jefry Diaz, Roberto Preciado, Javier Ramirez; Jesuit: Daryian Flores, Connar Lufkin, Kurt Sierra; King: Nate Johnson, Grant Owens, David Ellis, Josh Kartheiser, Alexis Quezada; Lennard: Emmanuel Zamudio, Rene Garcia, Kris Ospina; Leto: Gibran Macias, Miguel Garcia; Middleton: Roshoy Woodstock; Newsome: Nick Kallianiotis; Plant: Seth Rinkevich, James Talka, Zach Thompson; Plant City: Rigo Jurado, Francisco Jimenez, Ivan Ibarra; Riverview: Cristian Cadavid, Marc Lozada, Jacob Wendel; Robinson: Arshia Haj, Ryan Tahiri; Sickles: Garrett Dunton, Nate Schmidt, Ryan Cooper; Steinbrenner: Michael Connell; Strawberry Crest: Aldair Morales, Zach Owens-Smith; Tampa Prep: Michael Spezza; Wharton: Philippe Patino, Lamont Delorey, Joey Ferrin
Coach of the Year: Tim Cooper, Berkeley Prep