By Alberto Arias —
“Playing soccer with your feet is one thing, but playing with your heart is another. Anyone who thinks sunshine is happiness has never played soccer in the rain. Soccer players aren’t just made of their technique, but also of their passion.” said Walter Avans, 21, marketing major, Roselle Park, NJ.
The Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex will miss the scoring threat next season from their prolific NJCU goal scorer, Walter Avans. On September 4, senior broke the school record, when he erupted for five goals. He spearheaded a charge in which he accumulated 10 points in a 12-1 rout against Medgar Evers.
Earlier this month, the NJCU star forward was recognized for his outstanding play on the field by being selected to the First-Team All-NJAC squad. This award is handed out to only four forwards in the conference and is handpicked by the10 head coaches. Also, in 2010 he was selected to the Second-Team All-NJAC squad.
“It feels great to be among the top players,” said Avans, “Every player trains and works hard to be the best they can be and when others see the hard work and recognize you it’s a great feeling.”
Avans finished his NJCU career ranked second with an impressive 39 career goals and third with 89 points. He finished the 2011 season with 12 goals and five assists on 29 points in 17 games.
Avans attempted 56 shots (33 shots on goal), scored the first goal of a game three times while bagging a pair of hat tricks, with one game-winner. He led NJCU Gothic Knights in goals, assist, shots, and shots on goal.
“Cito” as his teammates refer to him, says all his achievements on the field are attributed to his hard work and dedication in the off season. His goal total increased every season as the game began to slow down for him and he grew accustomed to his teammates playing tendencies. His teammates say he plays with the attacking ability of the explosive forward, Sergio Aguero, from Manchester City for his tenacity and determination on the field.
“I’m going to miss all my teammates. They weren’t just teammates but more like brothers. We always stuck together through thick and thin,” added Avans, “It’s a great feeling knowing when I went on the field the ten guys around me and the rest of the players and coaches on the bench believed in me and stuck behind me.”
Cito plans on resuming his soccer career and will continue to utilize his work ethic to play on the professional level. “It takes an athlete to play soccer, but an artist to be a soccer player.”
