Wellesley Athletes of the Week: Soccer’s Peyton Keyes & Matthew Martin
Wellesley Athlete of the Week is made possible with sponsorship support from Deland, Gibson Insurance. The family-owned and operated business has carried on this Wellesley tradition for over 30 years.
Athlete of the Week: Peyton Keyes
Sport: Girls’ Soccer (center mid & senior captain)
When & how you got involved in this sport: I have played ever since kindergarten.
What you love most about this sport: I love the team and the competitiveness that comes with playing on a team at this level.
Pre-game ritual: I usually just listen to music either in my airpods or on the team speaker.
Top goal for this season: To win a state championship.
Thoughts about this year’s team: I think we have a very special, talented, and competitive group of girls who really care about each other and can compete at a very high level.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am proud that I am a four-year starter on varsity and was first team all state my sophomore year.
An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: It is inspiring the way we have adapted to a new coach and a new environment and had so much success so far because of that.
Interests outside of your sport: I run track and also have a job at an assisted care place.
Coach Dave Wainwright on Peyton Keyes: Our senior captain has delivered all season for the girls varsity soccer team. Peyton’s play making ability consistently has caused challenges for our opponents. Peyton possesses the skills and experience to be considered one of the best in our league. Our 8-2 record isn’t achievable without her contributions on and off the field.
Athlete of the Week: Matthew Martin
Sport: Boys’ Soccer (striker & senior captain)
When & how you got involved in this sport: I’ve been playing soccer since I could walk. My mom grew up playing soccer as well and my dad has been a huge soccer fan since he was a kid.
What you love most about this sport: I love the fact that there is so much strategy and variety in the different formations and positions you can play.
Pre-game ritual: I always eat a banana and listen to SoundCloud remixes.
Top goal for this season: My first goal was to make playoffs because my first 3 years here I never have. However after our 2-1 win over Braintree we have just clinched playoffs. So now, my goal is to make a run in playoffs and show other teams we’re not the same program we’ve been in the past.
Thoughts about this year’s team: It’s different. That is the only word I like to use. The energy is different. The mentality is different. The community is different. We are different than other teams and it is the best team I could ever ask for.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: Previous to this season I would have said my biggest accomplishment in the sport is making the national championship with my club soccer team. However, the feeling I get being a captain of a winning team and seeing the growth from all our boys is challenging that accomplishment.
An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: A cool story that always comes to mind is when I was in the 3rd grade playing soccer, my dad was my coach for a lot of my youth. However, the other person that was there coaching me was Chris Howard. The same Chris Howard that just helped us qualify for playoffs with 5 games left in the season. It’s a very full circle moment growing up being coached by the guy who is coaching me my senior season.
Interests outside of your sport: I really enjoy playing sports, spending time with friends, and exploring the outdoors.
What other sports do you play, if any? I play basketball
Coach Chris Howard on Matthew Martin: Matt is one of our captains and has led the team alongside Alex Gold. He shows up in every game and gives 100% to the team and to the game. Matt has scored 3 goals this week calling off a good run for the team as well. He is also a great kid to have on the team.
(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)
