Don’t get Trevor Hubbard started talking about Liverpool or Steven Gerrard. The Solar SC U18 Academy player might not ever stop talking.

Hubbard is an outstanding full back for Kevin Smith’s squad. As a high school junior he’s currently winnowing down his list of possible college destinations, but his play for the Dallas-area team has long since gotten him on the radar of a number of top programs.

But he has a special passion for the Merseyside Reds, which is ironic given that his coach, a former player for Charlton, is a Man United fan. Hubbard admits that his coach gives him some stick for his allegiances.

“Kevin hassles me all the time,” Hubbard said. “He’s the first to tell me if Liverpool loses that day. He’ll ask me sarcastically what the score was.”

For his part, Smith seems to understand Hubbard’s fondness, especially for Gerrard.

“He really likes Stevie G and I suppose if you’re going to follow somebody closely that’s a good one to like,” Smith said. “That’s just part of where you see how much Trevor loves the game.”

Hubbard said his enthusiasm for the game has been there for a while.

“Since I was a little kid I’ve loved it,” he said. “I tried different types of sports but there was something about soccer that made me have a really big passion for it. Kevin makes it fun for us and it’s hard not to eventually fall in love with it.”

Smith said that affection has helped Hubbard improve as a player.

“He’s come a long way. He’s a great kid and soccer-wise he’s a good fullback who gets out and wants to join in with the attack. He loves to go forward which is the kind of player you want in that position, not just a defender,” Smith said. “His delivery is something he’ll want to keep working on, and it’s a big part of being a fullback. His short range and long range passing are good.”

Smith added that Hubbard has good qualities as a teammate.

“He’s a real bubbly kid and is always talking to others on field and encouraging them,” he said. “He’s a good team player who loves the game.”

As part of the USSF Development Academy, Hubbard trains 3-4 times a week with his Solar team, throwing in some high school soccer as well. He still finds time to spend every day working on his ball skills.

“I was taught when I was younger that the more familiar with the ball you are the better player you will be,” he said. “So I try to work with the ball every day, even it’s just in the house. I get in trouble sometimes for knocking the ball off the wood.”

Hubbard, who is considering Northwestern, Duke, Furman and San Diego State among his final four college programs, said he wouldn’t mind if the whole recruiting process was just over.

“It’s harder than I thought it would be. A lot of thought goes into it, but hopefully I’ll be able to decide pretty soon,” he said.

In the meantime he is enjoying the Academy setup with his Solar team.

“I like it,” he said. “It’s not too much change from the Classic League, but now the competition is always good. Everybody is amped up when game time comes around which I really love.”

Just like at Liverpool.

 

Main photo by Cindy Boyd