MORGANTOWN — Freshmen usually aren’t expected to be main contributors for high school varsity sports, but the Trinity Christian soccer team has an exception in Gabriel Turak.
“I didn’t know much about him. I’d heard he was a good player,” head coach Chad Laskody said when asked if he was expecting this type of production from Turak this season. “I didn’t have a lot of expectations for him, but he’s definitely surprised me.”
Turak has put together an incredible season so far for the Warriors with 41 goals in 21 games. He’s been starting for Trinity (10-8-3) since the beginning of the season. He’s even managed to score as many as five goals in one game a few times this season.
“He’s a phenomenal player with a team-first attitude. He never complains and comes into work every day,” Laskody said. “Having him out there, with his skill set, five seniors and an awesome goalkeeper, it’s been a much better season than last year.”
Turak knows how to find the back of the net, but he might be even better at collecting assists than scoring goals. Similar to the NHL’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Gretzky — who notched more than double his number of goals in assists. Laskody said he “probably couldn’t keep track” of the number of assists Turak has tallied this season and that he’s been involved in a lot of the team’s goals.
“To win, you have to be a team. He’s had great success because he’s playing well with the team. He does a good job of spreading it out and getting everyone involved. He can put the ball everywhere and his shot selection in terrific,” Laskody said.
Laskody, who is in his second year as head coach, also credits Turak’s success this season to his work in the offseason.
“He shows up every day, even summer and voluntary workouts. He always has a good attitude and plays hard. By him going hard, he elevates everyone else,” Laskody said. “He’s not the type to rest on his ability or skill. He’s always doing the extra work.”
Even though Turak is just a freshman, he also isn’t one to let the attention get to his head. Laskody commented that “he’s a pretty humble person.”
As the postseason starts, the Warriors are hoping to keep getting this type of production out of Turak as they hope to make a run.
When it comes to Turak’s future, Laskody is under the impression that Turak can play at the next level.
“He has what it takes to go to a top college and play,” Laskody said.
Turak and the Warriors will travel to Wheeling Central for a sectional semifinal today.
