Soccer Freshman Phenom: Meet Midfield Maestro Hunter Black

Man in the Middle: Standout Freshman Hunter Black is known for his laceless cleats and poised playmaking.

Curran Mitra

Man in the Middle: Standout Freshman Hunter Black is known for his laceless cleats and poised playmaking.

Meet Dubs soccer freshman phenom Hunter Black. The standout midfielder has been a driving force behind the success of the JV Dubs in their 2022 campaign for North Atlanta greatness, helping them to reach six wins in their first 10 games. Known for his strong play, laceless cleats, and unwavering dedication, Black has risen to a position of leadership on the young team, and looks to continue his impressive play throughout the rest of his freshman season while being part of building a winning culture in Dubs soccer.

When North Atlanta held soccer tryouts this spring, Black stood out to coaches right away on account of his very high level of play. He’s serious minded about his training and is quick to exhort his peers toward excellence. It quickly became clear to coaches that he should be a captain, a duty he shares with just one other player. “Hunter is a really strong player and an even stronger leader. We all are motivated by his poised playmaking abilities and attention to how the team can collectively improve,” said freshman Ben Henley.

Black, who is frequently involved in the attack scheme, is an excellent dribbler, and is known as a physical, dynamic player. He plays with a style and effort that often leads to assists and goals. He’s already tallied five goals and has won “man of the match” twice this season. In one early game against a very strong Norcross team, Black put a close match a way with a goal in the final minutes of the game. Later, in a game against Whitewater, Black nearly pulled off a hat-trick, scoring twice, but having his third would-be goal called offside.

It’s clear from his match contributions alone that Black is an exemplary leader, but he also has inspired confidence in his peers and won the accolades of his coaches during practice and off the field. JV head coach Jack Stenger says that the youthful captain is wise beyond his years.

Stenger said he feels he has almost another coach when he consults with Black. “His soccer intelligence and knowledge of the game is so impressive,” Stenger said. “When he offers me a suggestion about a way we can go, I’m usually taking a pretty sure path in accepting his suggestions.”

Making presence known at North Atlanta so quickly in his rookie season, the sky appears to be the limit for Black. Do not be surprised to see Black playing a major role on the Varsity Dubs squad next year. For this freshman, excellence is the standard, and the Dubs soccer program is excited to see what is in store for him in his North Atlanta career. Go Dubs and Go Fuerte!