Gatorade Player of the Year, Hensley, ready for Virginia Tech
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BVM) — For Carter Hensley, it鈥檚 loss that motivates him. Losing in the NCHSAA state championship game both his sophomore and senior seasons, and falling just short of his ultimate goal has left him wanting more. But at the same time, it鈥檚 winning that keeps him playing.聽
鈥淚 like winning to be honest,鈥� Hensley said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been on teams that win and I have fun when I win and I hate losing.鈥�
His Myers Park Mustangs were 12-1-1 this year, so winning was a mainstay of their season. However, their one loss came at the worst time. Though the team couldn鈥檛 complete what they had hoped for at the beginning of the year, the victories didn鈥檛 stop for Hensley.聽
The 6-foot-2 midfielder was named the 2021 North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association State Player of the Year as well as a first team All-State selection. Then, Hensley added another trophy to his already-full shelf, becoming the first-ever Myers Park player to take home the Gatorade North Carolina Boys Soccer Player of the Year award.
鈥淚t鈥檚 something that’s an honor because I’m the first ever and in the legacy of Myers Park soccer which produces a bunch of college athletes, it’s crazy to me,鈥� Hensley said. 鈥淚t’s a testament to the program for what they do for the kids that come in and mentor them to become better soccer players and better people.鈥�
Hensley punched in eight goals this season while dishing out seven assists, concluding his prep career with marks of 15 goals and 22 assists. The multi-faceted midfielder did that all without a junior season, due to club commitments. But because of his aforementioned love for the Myers Park program, Hensley came back to finish off his high school days with the Mustangs.聽
Nobody surrounding the program said a bad word about him when he left, and nobody surrounding the program raised concerns when he decided to return. Hensley was unconditionally supported and appreciated in the community, making it all the more easier to give it his all for them one last time.
鈥淢y junior year I decided I wanted to see what kind of offers I could get in college soccer and I told the seniors (I was going to play club) and the people from Myers Park were really receptive and supportive of me which is why I came back and played my senior year,鈥� Hensley said. 鈥淭hey wanted to do what’s best for me and understood what I want to do in my life moving forward.鈥�
On his own accord and with the backing of the Myers Park family, Hensley played club his junior year and was able to put his name on the map. Though he came back to the Mustangs uncommitted, he ended his senior year as a Virginia Tech commit. Slated to head to Blacksburg in the fall, Hensley is looking forward to chasing a team award for four more years.
In four out of the past five seasons, the Hokies have made it to or past the Sweet 16 in NCAA Tournament action, and adding Hensley could give them the extra push they need to be a title contender. With one of the hardest schedules in college soccer upon them, the soon-to-be freshman is ready to make his impact felt.
鈥淚f you want to be the best you got to beat the best,鈥� Hensley said. 鈥淕oing into these next four years I want to win rings and championships.鈥�
