Name: Brayden Schwartz

Sport: Boys Soccer

Grade: Junior

Position: Midfielder

The Lowdown: A year after being PV’s top goal scorer in 2017 with 11 goals, Schwartz has scored 4 goals in 5 games. He scored one goal in each game against Northern Highlands, Mahwah, Old Tappan, and Ramapo. His penalty kick against Mahwah was PV’s only score in their 1-0 victory. 

How Did It Feel to Score the Game-Winning Goal: He credited his entire team for opening up opportunities for him to score. “It’s definitely not all my doing. I definitely couldn’t do it without the guys defending and assisting.”

Expectations: As an individual, he is taking more of a midfield role this year, and would like become more of a distributor this season. “Last year I had a lot of goals and not that many assists. I’d like to even that out.” As a team, PV looks to surprise its opponents this year.” “I think since we lost a lot of seniors, I think that people are underestimating us. I think we can go out and be one of those teams to prove people wrong”

Coach’s Comment: “Every game he works hard. He has an ability to make things happen out of nowhere, which is great. The goal (against Ramapo) was an individual play, but he continues to work with the team and make us better. We always say a great player makes those around him better, and that’s what Brayden is starting to do for us. We’re expecting him to go on for the season to come,” said assistant coach Luciano Cofrancesco

What He Likes Most About His Sport:

Proudest Moment on the Field: PV’s game against Old Tappan last year. The Indians sealed the league championship after being down 2-1. “I scored a very fortunate goal to make it 2-2, and then I assisted Ryan Mastowski on the header within three minutes of each other at the end of the game,” he said. 

What Did He Do in the Off-Season to Improve: During the summer, his favorite time to train, he does a lot of fitness and body training. “I definitely like the summer. It’s nice and hot, you can get outside and get a good workout in. When I’m trying to get in shape and get ready for the soccer season, I’m definitely outside,” he said. During the winter, Schwartz participates in a couple of practices and scrimmages  that his club team hosts but really starts to get involved with that in the spring. 

What Is His Pump-Up Music?: He is a picky music person. “I have a playlist of like, 15 songs that I listen to before every game.”

Favorite Actor/Actress: Jim Carrey

Favorite Movie: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Favorite Subject: Math

Favorite Food: Pulled Pork BBQ

Favorite Pro Athlete: Robin van Persie

Four People Living Or Dead He Would Invite To A Party: Christian Pulisic, Jim Carrey, LeBron James, Bill Gates

One Superpower: Mind Reading

Role Models: His dad. “I don’t know how I’d make it to practice or make it to games without my dad. He sets everything up, gets everything going for me. Eventually I’ll do it myself. But if it wasn’t for my dad I don’t know how I’d be,” he said. 

Dream Vacation Spot: Australia  

Future Plans: “Definitely hoping to play soccer in college, that’s one of my number one priorities.” He also said that getting good grades in school as important to him as well.