DAILY PILOT HIGH SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK:Sage’s Capaldi has found right combination

During the summer before his freshman year of high school, Ben Capaldi found the appropriate outlet.

Lacing up boxing gloves just felt right for Capaldi. Hitting the bag felt even better.

There always seem to be a chance for becoming a burnout when young athletes specialize in one sport. But Capaldi, a Sage Hill School freshman, bought a punching bag to prevent such a downfall.

Thanks to his newfound hobby, Capaldi’s not giving up soccer anytime soon. It also helps that he’s actually good on the pitch.

As a center-midfielder, Capaldi has become one of the Lightning’s top players, Sage Hill Coach Noureddine El-Alam said. Last week, Capaldi proved that with what could be compared to four knockout punches, though Capaldi would prefer describing them as jabs.

He scored four goals in a game, leading the Lightning to a 9-0 win over visiting Fairmont Prep on Dec. 12.

“I have felt what it’s like to score goals that I’ve earned, but all four of those I just seemed to be in the right place at the right time,” said Capaldi, who didn’t follow up his goals with any type of celebration. “After each goal, I went to the person who gave me the assist and gave him a high-five.”

In addition to his been-there, done-that reaction to goal scoring, Capaldi has found other ways to display maturity. Even though he is a freshman, he has become a vocal leader for the Lighnting, not so much shouting out motivational statements, but rather directing his teammates with regard to the game plan.

He said it comes natural. As a club player, he is a sweeper. Viewing the game from the back, leads him to discovering the proper strategy.

With the Lightning, he maintains that feel for the game and can’t hold back telling his teammates what to do.

“I’m used to taking that role,” he said. “[The older players] don’t mind it, getting bossed around by a freshman sometimes.”

It’s not as if the Lightning really need that much directing. They are ranked No. 10 in CIF Southern Section Division VI. Last year, they won a share of the Academy League title.

“I think we can win it all this year,” Capaldi said. “We are definitely good. I hear from the seniors of how good this team is. The seniors are really cool. They helped the team bond and get along together.”

By giving props to the seniors, Capaldi has done his best to stay in line with the Sage Hill program. With soccer, he has spent too much time, made too many sacrifices to make the game go awry.

Before his freshman year at Sage Hill, Capaldi did more than take up boxing as hobby. He gave up competing in baseball.

“I enjoyed playing baseball a lot,” Capaldi said. “I gave it up pretty much just to focus on soccer. It conflicted a lot with soccer.”

Capaldi had to stop playing baseball because he also wanted to give more time to club soccer. He competes on the Slammers Futbol Club, based in Newport Beach. The boys’ under-15 team that Capaldi’s on finished in the top five of the Gold Division and will now move on to the Premiere Division.

With his vocal approach and his versatile game, Capaldi, who is a physical player, has been a key reason for his club team’s rise, Khoury said.

“Ben is a complete soccer player,” said Khoury, a former Corona del Mar girls’ soccer coach. “He’s a tremendous leader for us in the back. He does an unbelievable job for us. He’s a great leader and very composed. His composure is incredible.”

Just as he’s done his best to fit in with the Lightning, Capaldi has also been gelling with the Slammers.

“What I like about Ben is that he’s always positive,” Khoury said. “He is a very positive guy, always giving positive energy to his teammates.”

Khoury also said Capaldi has the potential to become an NCAA Division I player. For now, Capaldi will concentrate on the now, he said.

Capaldi said college soccer is an option, yet it’s something he wants to do.

Right now staying with the game is what’s most important, even if it means taking some shots at a punching bag.