Three-year varsity soccer starter and captain Max Van Gyzen has had to persevere through setbacks from multiple soccer injuries. Last year, he battled COVID-19 and suffered lasting health effects including a serious heart condition. 

“In the beginning, it was a bit of a question [if I could play again],” Van Gyzen said. “As I started recovering and going into physical therapy I knew I’d be able to get back. My energy levels were down, so I had to be able to build that back-up safely.”

During a game this year against Saint Joseph’s Regional High School, Van Gyzen was taken down by a kick in the back of the head, resulting in him having to be rushed to the hospital to get staples. 

“The week that he was out, we tied both of our games which just goes to show his presence on the field and how much of a staple he is to our team,” Michael Caminneci, co-captain of the soccer team, said. 

Van Gyzen has had two concussions from soccer. He said throughout all of his injuries, his coaches and teammates have been extremely supportive of him being able to make a full recovery before playing again. 

“After my heart condition, my coaches helped me monitor my heart rate on the side of the field to make sure I was returning safely,” Van Gyzen said.

As well as having to recover from a heart condition, Van Gyzen had to overcome another challenge: he changed positions this year and now plays midfield. He said the transition was difficult in the beginning because he has been playing center back and defense for most of his career. 

“It’s an adjustment learning to play a new position and having to think about the game in a different way, that took a little while,” Van Gyzen said. “[Throughout] the summer, I was able to get better at midfield and now it’s kind of second nature.”

Max Van Gyzen scores a goal for Valley off the assist from Caminneci.

36:37 left in the 2nd half.
Valley: 5
Palisades Park: 0 pic.twitter.com/G5n19Qw7bf

— PV Student Publication Sports (@pvsportscenter) October 9, 2021

Van Gyzen said that he feels his change in position has helped him become more involved in the game and help take control of the plays made.

“I was able to work both defensively and offensively in midfield, and I’m able to see a lot of the game [from my position],” Van Gyzen said.

Van Gyzen is co-captain of the team with Caminneci and they were voted into the position by their teammates. Caminneci and Van Gyzen have been playing soccer at New Jersey Stallions together since they were 10 years old.

“He’s a really good leader on and off the field,” Caminneci said. “He holds everyone up to their full potential as he does to himself.” 

Caminneci praised Van Gyzen for being a good leader because of his constant support for all their teammates.

“He’s always giving us his best,” Caminneci said. “He’s never counting anyone out. He’ll put his full effort into everything no matter what the score is or how much time is left.”