A thunderous voice rips through the air, drowning the noise from the student section. It scatters across the field with a kick of urgency.
The sun creeps westward and the autumn wind grows icy, but the constant heat of competition lives on in the passionate voice of varsity goalie Josh Inkel.
Inkel has embraced the position of goalie and works to make a contribution in every game.
Senior Will Weil explained that Inkel’s vocal presence is there in each game; prodding his team along through the crisp fall air and bruising physical play, sparking focus with his sharp commands. “As a goalie, he has to direct everyone on the field,” Weil said. “Even when he’s on the other side of the field he’s still yelling, telling us what to do.”
Varsity boys soccer features nine underclassmen set to succeed the 13 seniors and raise the next beast in boys soccer. Inkel’s teammates and coach expect that he will lead the next generation of soccer towards their ambitious goals with his leadership and desire.
Inkel leads the team with fearlessness and understanding; without hesitation or nonsense. Weil says that Inkel exemplifies a model leader, lifting his teammates from the pit of self-doubt, and snapping them out of the lull of satisfaction. “He is the perfect teammate,” Weil said. “He’ll always pick you up when you’re down, and he’ll always tell you to hustle when you’re slacking off.”
Inkel puts the cap on the opposition’s goal, blocking their key to victory and giving his teammates chances to subdue them in the field. With Inkel between the posts, the Bobcats were able to shut out their opposition five times during the regular season. Varsity coach David St. Jean believes that Inkel is a big part of their winning identity. “He is a leader. We believe our team is founded on defending and it all begins with Josh,” St. Jean said. “He’s our foundation in many ways.”
Inkel’s skill as a goalie spoke for itself from the get go, as he secured a spot on the varsity squad as a freshman. Along with his experiences on varsity and his bond with his teammates, Inkel has also been familiar with being unable to play for a full season, a mental test that an athlete would much rather avoid. At Eastern Connecticut Soccer Camp, during the preseason of his sophomore year, while engaging in a routine drill Inkel was pursuing a ball. On an awkward halt Inkel’s leg snapped, sparking an explosion of pain. A broken leg shelved him for the entire season; a season where he was primed to be the starting goalie.
On the sideline, Inkel’s patience has been tested. “My teammates and friends really supported me; [but] the feeling of not playing varsity hurt me,” he said. “I wanted to push [myself] and get back on the field as soon as I could.”
Inkel has returned as the everyday barrier standing before the goal, and according to St. Jean, he has not been shaken by the trying experience. “I think he is still recovering from his leg injury a bit; regaining his explosiveness and quick first step,” he said. “Physiologically, technically and tactically, he’s all back.”
The inability to play did not deter Inkel’s commitment and loyalty to his team. Weil added that he was physically present and a part of their spirit and positive atmosphere. “He came to every practice and every game and that really shows who he is as a teammate,” he said.
With Inkel as one of the leaders, boys’ soccer may very well be in good hands. His willingness to take charge has been visible from the start. He has come through in every test: achieving varsity status freshman year, establishing himself as a leader, enduring a season without soccer, and coming back strong.
Inkel has considered playing soccer in college, and has spoken to Springfield College. St. Jean says that college soccer is a realistic goal for Inkel.
He will bring his passion along with the booming voice that will never be silenced. “He can play at the next level and I think he aspires to do so,” said St. Jean. ”He wants it and he’ll get there.”
