Stokar Leads Varsity Soccer Into His Last Playoff Run

As one watches the Aurora Boys Varsity Soccer team play, a particular player seems to “stand up” above the rest. Leading his team into his final playoff run this weekend, Senior Kyle Stokar hopes to take a shot at a state championship.

Stokar, at a towering 6 feet, 5 inches tall, plays center striker for the team. That is, he plays nearest the opposition’s goal and is tasked mainly with scoring. Practicing and playing in this position for four years has allowed him to hone his skills, which he believes will benefit his team late in the season.

When asked how he feels he best impacts the team, Stokar, through his big smile which never seems to leave his face, explained, “My position’s job is to score the goals. I’m really one piece of a puzzle where everyone has an equal and different impact on each game, scoring being mine.”

Stokar has played soccer his whole life. From rec soccer leagues as a kid, through middle school leagues, now high school, and he hopes to play collegiately. In high school, he played Junior Varsity during his freshman year, then Varsity the remaining three seasons. Seeing his playing time increase as time passed, Stokar feels his abilities have risen to places he never thought possible.

“Especially over the last few years or so, I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better than I thought I would. It’s cool to realize how I’ve grown as a player and how much I used to struggle in games compared to now,” Stokar said.

After a fantastic regular season record of 13 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie, the Aurora Boys Varsity Soccer team looks to continue their success through playoffs. Stokar, leading the charge in goalscoring, understands his team’s need for him to continue producing.

Head Coach Jason Bibza attests for Stokar’s positive impact, saying, “When he is aggressive and is working hard, he disrupts the opposition's attack and tends to find the ball on his feet in dangerous places.”

This Wednesday, the team continues their postseason facing off against Hudson, a rivalry known to produce high intensity matches. Stokar’s constant improvement and determination to win in his senior year has the Aurora Boys Varsity Soccer team hopeful of a deep playoff run.