Coupeville Sports

Shane Squire (right), with partner in crime Sebastian Davis.

Math brought Shane Squire back to soccer. Sort of.

The Coupeville High School sophomore started playing the beautiful game at age four and stayed with it through sixth grade, then walked away for a few years.

Now, he’s back on the pitch, partially inspired by the words of his match teacher, Kyle Nelson, who just happens to be the new varsity soccer coach at CHS.

Not that Nelson gets sole credit, as Squire’s friends, who include fellow soccer and tennis players (he’s a two-sport athlete who also dabbles in theater and Science Olympiad) were the ones who put him over the top.

“I decided to play this year because I enjoy playing it with friends and wanted to engage in more school sports,” Squire said. “I hope to get more physically fit and win some games, while enjoying the sport I am playing.”

Sebastian Davis, a tennis/theater/Science Olympiad compatriot, was a big inspiration. As was Wolf goalie Joel Walstad.

“Sebastian convinced me to try out for sports and has helped me train for the past few years to reach a higher level of physical fitness.” Squire said. “Joel encouraged me to play “futsal,” — indoor soccer — at the school, which peaked my interests and got me involved with the team.”

Away from the soccer pitch, he stays active, tossing in longboarding, biking (while listening to music), skiing and playing basketball with friends to his already long list of school-related activities.

On the field, the defender is always trying to work on the finer points of his game.

“I think my strengths would include my ability to learn quickly and not give up,” Squire said. “I would like to improve my endurance and accuracy.”

At the end of the day, win or lose, soccer’s mix of team and individual play intrigues him, and keeps him coming back for more.

“I enjoy that we both have to rely on our teammates, but can excel on our own at the same time,” Squire said. “I also like that it challenges me both mentally and physically.”