Blake Webster is a senior student at Cathedral Catholic, as well as an athlete and inspirational leader. As someone who is the captain of the varsity soccer team, a keeper, and an avid member of ASB, he has been put into multiple leadership roles, and he has definitely stepped up to the plate.
Webster is what could be described as a model Don: someone who is involved in the community, someone who gives their all, and someone who never gives up.
Webster’s introduction to soccer was not your usual story. Most kids at young ages are put into soccer by their parents, like I was. There was a team in need of a goalie, a piece that was missing. Right then Blake volunteered to embark on his new journey of the sport. His friend asked him for help and he was ready to be there, just like what a Cathedral Don would do.
Webster expressed that soccer is more than just the sport itself; it’s about “not giving up.” When a game is getting tough and you’re down by one you don’t give up. When you have a hard test that you are stressing over you study, and you don’t give up.
“It’s really helped my leadership […] Soccer has inspired me to pursue a path that includes that leadership,” Webster explained while talking about his position as a keeper. Being a goalie you can see the whole field and it’s your job to position your defense effectively.
The position is not like any other and is essential in keeping the team together. It’s like in ASB how it is students’ jobs to bring others together through school spirit.
Blake has been seen as a mentor for younger players that look up to him as their captain. Cole Askins ‘26, the alternate goalie for the team, stated that, “me and Casper ‘25 learn so much from Blake […] He teaches us leadership on and off the field; at the same time he’s welcoming.” Askins attests to Blake’s leadership in how he guides the team and makes new varsity members feel comfortable.
High school can sometimes be daunting and having someone looking out for you and making sure you feel welcome is always really special.
Nate Hetherington, coach for the Cathedral Varsity Boys team shared with me that Webster is also the prayer captain. Prayer captains have been a new addition this year for Cathedral sports teams where a student on any team is selected to say a prayer before practices and games.
This position is here to keep God integrated in everything we do, and to foster a communal connection between sports and unity. Coach Hetherington shared that “often times when he’s saying the prayer I get the chills.”
Prayer as a team is something so special, and to have a leader who is so dedicated to making it a peaceful time for the team before stressful games is outstanding.
We can all learn something from Blake Webster and it’s important that as peers we look to each other for help, guidance, and someone to lean on.
