Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

It didn’t take Cam Persinger long to realize that soccer would be a passion.

“I started kicking the ball around at two when my mom, who loves the sport, and my nani brought me a ball and goal,’ said Persinger. “I would kick the ball around all day.”

From there, soccer took on a major role in his life for the current Richmond Hill junior striker/winger, who leads the team with 11 goals and also has three assists in his first season with the team.

“At the age of four, my parents signed me up for my local rec [team] in Fort Drum to start playing,” added Persinger. “Ever since then, I’ve been playing.”

Persinger knew soccer would be a staple, as he quickly gained confidence along the way. Parents Michael and Donna and his teammates played a pivotal role.

“I started feeling comfortable with the sport at a young age and became very passionate about the sport at around eight,” said Persinger. “The way I got to my level was by having some amazing coaches along the way, my parents who have made lots of sacrifices and my friends Owen, Christien, Kavi, who I would train with all the time, and as well as my sister.

“These people inspired me to get better and motivated me.”

Persinger also has viewed his time with the USL (United Soccer League) team Tormenta F.C. as a foundation.

“Playing there helped me develop a lot,” said Persinger. “This season is my first year as a Wildcat, but I’ve played club soccer with some of these boys for a while and they have a very strong chemistry going.”

Persinger has benefitted from his parents’ military background, extending his playing boundaries.

“Being a military child has given me the opportunity to play all around the country and in the U.K. (United Kingdom) where my mom is from. This taught me lots of important lessons about the game. Also my parents would help me train all through the summer and days I didn’t have practice.”

Head coach Stephen Peterson has been impressed with Persinger’s overall play.

“He is our leading scorer,” said Peterson. “He is a very dangerous ball handler and has great off the ball movements to the goal. His timing is impeccable.”

Even though his time has been short, Persinger has realized his presence on the team.

“I see my role on this team as a goal scorer,” said Persinger. “I feel like I put myself in a good position for my teammates to find me or at times create my own goals, but I always try to create goal scoring opportunities.”

The Wildcats began play Tuesday with a seven-game winning streak and overall 12-3 record, sitting atop the 7A Area I region with a 9-1 mark.

Persinger believes they are gelling together for a potential long run.

“This team is definitely clicking at the right time,” said Persinger. “We have built off our losses, and I feel like we have made each other better players throughout the season.

“This team definitely has what we need to win it all and I’m proud to be a Wildcat and play with this amazing group of players.”