Defensive standout Voter led Spartans to playoffs
journaltribune.com/articles/sports/defensive-standout-voter-led-spartans-to-playoffs
| December 05, 2018December 5, 2018
Sanford’s Kevin Voter tries to win a header over Deering’s Bernard Ndayishimiye during a game this past season. Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald
SANFORD — Most years the Journal Tribune’s Most Valuable Player award in boys soccer will go to a player who put the ball in the back of the net a lot or set up his teammates to do just that throughout the season
This year, the honor goes to a player who was simply outstanding on the other end of the field — Sanford defensive standout Kevin Voter.
Voter put together a stellar senior campaign as he helped lead the Spartans to a 6-7-1 record and a trip to the Class A South playoffs.
Sanford head coach Tim Fecteau believes Voter is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
“You ask players all the time to give their 100 percent, their aggressiveness and not look for the credit. (Voter) said, ‘it’s good to get recognized’ — well he’s recognized because he does everything. He’s got the whole package,” said Fecteau.
Voter played a key role in a couple crucial games for the Spartans this season — including a 2-0 Homecoming win over Portland.
“They’re a great team and we pulled away to win which was pretty awesome … especially on Homecoming night because everyone was there watching us,” said Voter.
In Sanford’s last regular season contest, Voter and the Spartans’ defense held Scarborough scoreless as the two teams battled to a tie.
“Tying Scarborough was big. You always think (Sanford) loses to the big teams and we put up with them this year. We stood our ground and did what we had to. We got away with some wins and ties when we needed to,” said Voter.
Voter’s protection of the goal led him to be named both team MVP and the SMAA boys co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Voter was honored to earn the Sanford boy soccer MVP award.
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“As a freshman, I remember seeing the MVP award given to the best player on the team. It wasn’t necessarily the best player, but it was the player that contributed the most,” Voter said. “I always looked up to that and I wanted to be that player when I grow up. This year, it was me. I feel very accomplished to be able to be that person and be given that award.”
Voter was exhilarated when he received the SMAA boys co-Defensive Player of the Year award.
“It means a lot. I had no idea that it was even a thing. I usually don’t get much recognition, so it feels good to be recognized because it usually the attackers or the people who score the goals that get recognized. I didn’t score many goals, but it’s awesome that people still know that I can contribute to the team,” said Voter.
Fecteau knows his program will be missing a key piece when next season rolls around.
“It’s going to be hard to fill the shoes of Kevin.”
Voter plans to continue his academic and soccer career at the Division III level at the University of Southern Maine next fall.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.comorat 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.