The making of Ben Zakowski, Glen Rock's 5-foot-7 soccer superstar
Sean Farrell
NorthJersey
There's a story people like to tell about Ben Zakowski.
There were days when Zakowski looked smaller than the ball bag he dragged around. There were nights when the darkness was his only cue to stop playing.
Zakowski may not seem like a traditional superstar with his 5-foot-7 frame and streak of bright red hair. But when he steps onto the field at Glen Rock, he inspires fear in his opponents. Whatever he lacks in size, he easily makes up for in work ethic. Growing up just a block from Glen Rock High School, Zakowski made a second home on the soccer field.
"He comes to play and that's what he wants to do," coach Casey Schick said. "He loves it. That's where his whole mindset is. His whole life is this."
Zakowski hopes to end his high school career with a state championship. The Panther senior will have a chance to get one step closer when his team faces Hackettstown in Tuesday's Group 2 semifinal at Ridge High School.
Win or lose, this has already been a dream year for Glen Rock (22-0-1). The Colonial Division team won its first Bergen County championship and swept a trifecta of titles. Maybe no one was more influential than Zakowski, who's produced a team-high 25 goals to go with eight assists. After breaking out last year, he moved onto the short list of North Jesey's top players with some recent success.
"I'm not the superstar on the team," said Zakowski, whose hat trick helped Glen Rock win the sectional final. "Everyone stepped up. I do get the stats. I get the goals. But it's not like everything comes from me."
Zakowski, like his teammates, is confident yet not complacent. There's a fire lit under him from last year's controversial county loss and premature exit in states. There's also the pressure that comes with keeping an undefeated record all year. But no matter the game, no matter the venue, Zakowski's name can usually be found on the scoresheet. He recorded points in 18 of Glen Rock's first 23 games and brought his best in the big moments. Fifteen of his goals came in the Panthers' nine postseason games.
Even now, it still amazes some teammates how an undersized forward can be so powerful.
"I ask myself this every day we play," senior Josh Kim said. "I ask myself, how does he do what he does? Just weaving his way. I think what it is, there's obviously natural ability. But it's also up here in his mind and nerves. I think he has the best nerves for the sport."
Zakowski was very active as a young kid. He tried basketball, baseball and lacrosse, but eventually soccer won out. It became his only sport in high school and stayed that way ever since. After getting cut as a freshman, he earned a starting spot the next year and the rest was history.
Known for his intensity in practice, Zakowski often pulls out what teammates have dubbed "The Benjamin", a crossover fake that fools defenders.
"My dad has always told me that it's about work ethic and the ability to interpret where the ball is going to go." Zakowski said. "It's envisioning plays before they happen and seeing open plays, seeing open people and knowing where to go from there. That helps me a lot."
Maybe it's fitting that Zakowski became the face of the small NJIC program. Zakowski said he's had "in-depth" recruiting interest, but has yet to receive a formal offer. He wants to keep an open mind and focus on school and soccer for the time being. For now, the kid who carried the giant equipment bag over his shoulder is now lifting Glen Rock to new heights.
"That's what our goal was," Zakowski said. "That was our main goal before we accomplished anything physically. We wanted to change the culture around here and get soccer big again. I think we've started to do that."