As the sun sets earlier and the weather gets colder, a soccer game is being played on the South turf. Number 23 receives the ball with his right foot; he weaves and dribbles, after one powerful shot and the ball finds its way to the back of the net. 6’3″, 184 pound, Rushil Sakrikar (‘26) sprints to the corner to celebrate with his team.
Picked as captain for the second year in a row, but his impact has been felt since his freshman year.
“I remember first truly meeting Rushil. He was a freshman and Coach Feddema and I called him up to join us during our state tournament run,” said Matthew Coburn, head varsity coach. “He was quick, strong, stood his ground and didn’t concede a goal on his side the entire time he was out there.”
Sakrikar attributes his success to his determination. “I think it’s just my willingness and my dedication to the sport itself. I’m really a competitor. I want to win.” The numbers back him up. According to nj.com, Sakrikar has tallied three goals and three assists, quadrupling his points from last season.
Goalie Joaquin Vitulich (‘26) said that Sakrikar’s “grittiness and determination” sets him apart. “He makes my life as a goalie as easy as possible,” Vitulich said.
Coach Coburn said, “He is the type of athlete who just drops his head, pushes forward and gets his work done.”
Sakrikar’s work ethic has earned the respect of his teammates. “I know he always gives his 100% at practice and at summer workouts,” said teammate Lino Kim (‘27). “He has always been vocal, passionate, but at the same time open to new ideas and changes which has made him a very good captain.”
As a second year captain, he understands his role. “I think the main difference between being a follower and a leader, is a leader is the standard, you are the example that you’re standing for other people in the field,” said Sakrikar.
“Rushil has been an exemplary leader this season. He keeps both himself and his teammates accountable; commands respect for and from everyone; arrives first to practices and games and really is a driving force in the program,” said Coach Coburn.
To balance his academics and sports, Sakrikar has learned to keep his priorities straight. “I manage my time correctly and create a calendar and a Google sheet. And my mom and dad also helped me with some work as well,” he said. “You’re always a student athlete. Student always come first, because it’s always going to carry on with you throughout life.”
His love for the game comes from his dad, “My dad really put me into the sport when I was younger,” he said. His dad put him on the soccer field when he was only two-years old. “He didn’t understand [soccer] much, but it was fun to watch with him, especially when he would yell over players”
With his leadership qualities, skills and hard work, Sakrikar has been able to land collegiate offers to continue his career beyond high school.To get to this level, he trains with his club team “N.J. Premiere” and also lifts weights regularly at the gym.
As the soccer season comes to an end and winter season starts up and Sakrikar finishes a full four years on the varsity squad, he has words of wisdom to pass along. “Set the standard, never fall below it. That’s what I live by.”
