- January 22, 2025
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The high school boys soccer regular season is now over and the Horizon Hawks are once again one of the best teams in West Orange and Southwest Orange, despite having a first-year coach in Sheamus Conway and losing their leading scorer and playmaker from the 2023-24 team.
A big part of the continued success of the young program is the increased production from senior attacker and captain Weber Nakagawa. Last season, the Brazilian scored seven goals and dished out four assists in 14 appearances. This season, he’s scored 22 times and assisted 10 goals in 18 games. Both totals are the second-most in a single season in program history; Nakagawa needs just one more goal to tie the program record of 23.
Beyond his chase of individual accolades, Nakagawa’s production and leadership have been a big part of Horizon’s collective success. With a record of 11-4-3 — as of press time Jan. 21 — the Hawks are three wins away from matching the program’s most in a single season. With what could be the best individual statistical season in program history and the team possibly posting the most wins in its history, it’s clear Nakagawa is ready to lead the Hawks on a state championship run.
Age: 17
Sport: Boys soccer
Grade: Senior
School: Horizon High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It’s a pleasure to be named Athlete of the Week. I am very happy to receive the honor.
What do you enjoy the most about soccer?
The thing I most enjoy about soccer is the adrenaline I get from playing the game.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from soccer?
The biggest lesson I learned is that for everything you want in life, you have to work hard for it.
What is your favorite soccer memory?
My favorite soccer memory is from last season when I scored two goals in the district finals.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Neymar. I really enjoy watching him play.
Is there someone you try to model your game after?
Yes, my dad. He was a really good soccer player back in the day.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
I don’t really eat much before a game. If I do eat something, it is either some fruit or gum.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
My favorite song to listen to before games is a Brazilian song called “Nois Tá Bolando um Plano” by MC Don Juan and MC Hariel.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
Going out with my family.
What is your favorite subject in school?
U.S. Government because my coach is the teacher.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I’d bring my girlfriend, water and a soccer ball.
What is your favorite movie?
“Pelé: Birth of a Legend.”
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I would go to dinner with my dad.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would go back to when I was little, so I could enjoy more time with my family.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
The advice would be to take things more slowly and enjoy more time with my family. Also, enjoy being young.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
The question would be if I ended up becoming a professional soccer player.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Spider-Man because I grew up watching all the Spider-Man movies.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to have a never-ending life — to live forever.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Brazil, to see my family, Italy just to visit and Greece because I really want to go to the beaches there.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I would want to be a dog so I can sleep in and do nothing all day.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
No!
