WILL BATES
Thomas Dale Knights
Will Bates is probably one of the easiest player-of-the-year picks there is.
No disrespect to the other all-DigitalSports members, it's just how dominant and important Bates was to an undefeated team.
The midfielder drew tight coverage and four- to six-eyeball attention every time he attempted to step on the field.
Rightfully so. The 6-0, 185-pounder was so dangerous for the Knights.
The accolades? Here's a few. Four-year starter, state champion as a freshman on a team that he started on that included several older players now in college.
Bates is a U.S. National Team player, has been for a few years now. He will continue his career at Virginia and has aspirations to play the highest level of soccer.
The best thing about it? He always gives his teammates and those who helped him get to this point their due.
"Being named district player of the year and region player of the year, it's a great honor," Bates said. "But overall the team has done well. I've enjoyed every bit of it. The team is great. The guys are fun to play with.
"A lot of credit to my family and the coach [
Mark Fowler], they pushed me throughout my four years and made me become a better player.
- Stephen M. Lewis
