Patrick Phelan 2003 Gatorade National High School Boys Soccer Player of the Year

PATRICK PHELAN 2003 GATORADE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR-HON. RICHARD E. NEAL (Extensions of Remarks - February 25, 2004)

HON. RICHARD E. NEAL
OF MASSACHUSETTS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2004

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Patrick Phelan, of Wilbraham & Monson Academy, on his selection as the 2003 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year in Boys Soccer. Out of the more than 300,000 young men across the country who play soccer, he was selected for this prestigious award based on athletics, academic achievement, and overall character. This selection, which has been given out for nineteen years in ten different sports, places him in the elite company of highly regarded athletes such as NFL co-MVP Peyton Manning, U.S. Olympic Gold Medallist Marion Jones, and basketball stars Lisa Leslie and LeBron James.

Gatorade is not the first to sing the praises of Patrick Phelan, though. His coach, Gary Cook, refers to him as, "the best player I have coached in my twenty eight years in high school." Beyond being an amazing player, Patrick is also an important leader on the team. According to Cook, "everyday he trains with a purpose and he makes everyone around him better. He was a great captain and teammate."

As a defender, Patrick scored six goals and was attributed with five assists this past season. Along with his on-field performance, the leadership he provided in his role as team captain helped elevate the team to a 12-1-2 regular season and a berth in the Class B New England Prep School Semi-Finals.

Patrick does more than play soccer, though. Academically, he stands out with a grade point average of 3.74. At Wilbraham, he is a member of the Spanish Club. Additionally, he manages to give back to the community through his work with young children as the computer aid at Here We Grow Preschool. He has also figured out a way to include his soccer skills with his community service efforts as a volunteer at Top Soccer, which hosts clinics for disabled children.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to this young man attending Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Patrick Phelan's accomplishments transcend any single niche; he excels in athletics, scholarship, and community service. He has done many things to be proud of, and it is a great pleasure to see him recognized for his dedication and hard work. Patrick, congratulations on being selected as Gatorade's National High School Boys Soccer Player of the Year, and good luck in your future endeavors.

END