Name: Carter Roberson
Year: Senior
Fall Sport: Soccer
Position: Inside Midfielder
Years on Varsity: 3
Playing Experience: “Since I could walk.” (began taking soccer more seriously in middle school)
Height & Weight: 5’8”/140 lbs.
Favorite Subject: AP English and AP History; Roberson credits AP American History teacher James McMillan for being a personal mentor who has “pushed” his love of history.
RSHS Sports: Track; 3 years at Richmond on varsity (2 mile, 1 mile, 800 meter, 4X8 relay and 4×4 relay)
RSHS Extracurricular Activities: Roberson is an active member within several of RSHS’ organizations, including serving as the vice president of the National Beta Club. He also is part of the National Honors Society, and is the secretary of the Student Senate. Roberson also served as a junior marshal last year.
Hobbies: Aside soccer and track, Roberson enjoys working out in order to stay in shape year-round to participate in RSHS athletics. While he’s in-season, it’s tough to work out as much as he’d like to, but he makes up for it in the offseason. Roberson also has an interest in music and singing, and has been a member of RSHS’ chorus.
College Aspirations: As he is a dedicated and driven student who takes several advanced placement courses, Roberson’s goal is to attend a “prestigious university,” and has narrowed his sights on Appalachian State University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
As a matter of fact, Roberson is seeking several scholarship programs. He is a finalist for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill and has interviews later this week. Roberson is also pursuing the Park Scholarship at N.C. State. Though he is uncertain which degree he will choose upon attending college next fall, Roberson is considering business administration, sociology and writing.
Roberson is also currently undergoing the collegiate soccer recruiting process, and informed the RO that he isn’t “counting out” the possibility of playing soccer at the next level.
Interesting Fact: When asked what interesting fact he possesses about himself, Roberson coolly noted that he is ambidextrous, and can equally use both feet while playing soccer. He added that it’s a skill he doesn’t take for granted, as it allows him an advantage over other soccer players. Naturally right-footed, Roberson has perfected the art of using his left foot.
Player of the Week Stats:
Roberson has been a staple on the Raiders boys soccer team the last three seasons, and his experience and knowledge of the game gives him a leg up on opponents. He’s not the flashiest player who will light up the score sheet, but Roberson did net a goal last week against Forest Hills.
But don’t let Roberson’s low scoring total define him as a player. He possesses many intangibles that can’t be tallied on the scoresheet. In a transition this year, head coach Bennie Howard has shifted Roberson’s role to a more defensive-oriented task. Coupled with experience and knowledge, Roberson’s leadership helped him earn this week’s nomination.
Describe your season so far. What has worked well for you, individually, but also the team?
“This season has been a little slow for us,” Roberson admitted. “But we are always working constantly to get better and improve our on-field performance. One thing that has worked for us, when we are able to find it, is consistency. When we’re on, we’re on.”
“I’ve been a part of the (varsity) team for three seasons now,” Roberson added. “For me, I’m just trying to play to the best of my ability game in and game out. We’ve got a great group of guys, and we all support one another on the field.”
What’s been special for you so far through the first half of your senior season?
“When I was a sophomore, I was trying to just get playing time in the starting lineup,” Roberson said. “But as a junior and senior, I’ve taken on a larger role.
“And it finally hit me this year that I need to make the most of what time is left,” he added. “It’s special to be part of such a great team, and I know that this may be near the end of playing soccer. So, it’s special to me to go out each night and try to win.”
Coach’s Corner
In his 30th and final season as the boys soccer head coach, Howard has watched hundreds of players pass through Richmond. He nominated Roberson as the Richmond Observer’s male student athlete of the week for lots of reasons, but none other than the fact that he’s an incredibly tough soccer player.
“Carter is a great midfielder for us,” Howard said. “He excels at his role as a defensive midfielder. He has the ability to go forward and score goals, but he is definitely a defensive asset in the middle of the field who helps lock down our opponents.
“What makes Carter my player of the week is the fact that he has stepped up these past couple of games,” Howard added. “He’s had a couple goals that have put us in good positions. He works hard in the offseason, and is a quality player. Carter has helped us tremendously this year.”
Look for Roberson on the Richmond Observer’s flagship news program Live at 5, as he’ll be in studio for Wednesday’s edition.
