Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
Through his time living abroad in Germany, Richmond Hill’s Hassan King has experienced some great moments and adventures.
However, visiting France in the summer of 2018 may prove hard to beat.
“My favorite memory from my time in Europe was actually in France, not Germany,” recalled King. “It was back in 2018 during the World Cup. I was in France watching the World Cup final and everyone started going crazy after they won. They were shooting off flares and fireworks in the parking lot and I had a lot of fun.”
Since then, King has been making his fair share of memories for the Richmond Hill boys’ soccer team. Heading into regional play, King has six goals and five assists. The Wildcats (13-4) open the postseason Friday when they host Collins Hill (11-8).
Head coach Stephen Peterson has been impressed with his senior’s progression.
“This year his speed and defensive ability have significantly improved this year,” said Peterson. “He connects dangerously with his teammates and dominates his area of play on the defensive side of play.”
King began playing the game at age four, and he tried other sports in the process. His time in Germany heightened his interest in the sport, and it increased his overall confidence.
“I really just started to like soccer more than anything else due to living in Europe,” noted King. “I used to live in Germany and my love for the sport grew while I was there.
“Germany was very different from the U.S.. Everything felt very safe. You would even see elementary schoolers walking to school by themselves. The culture is very different and the food as well.”
King made the move to Richmond Hill during middle school, and he realized his game needed to improve to make the varsity team. He scored 17 goals on the JV team during his sophomore year, and he anticipated varsity time ahead.
“The biggest hurdle I have had to overcome was improving myself to become varsity level after my freshman and sophomore years,” said King. “I started to feel more comfortable with my game here at Richmond Hill during my sophomore year when I had a good year.”
King, who will continue his career at Dean College in Boston, Massachusetts and major in business, using those business connections. His biggest supporters have been his parents, Heath and Jamie.
“My mom and dad have had the biggest influence on my career,” said King. “ My mom has helped me with college recruitment a lot. Also players like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Neymar have inspired me over the years to continue playing soccer.”
After college, King would welcome the chance to play professional soccer. In the meantime, though, King plans to play his part in the upcoming regional playoffs.
“I see myself as a ‘dangerous’ player and attacker,” explained King. “I’m there to create opportunities to score for myself and others.”