Jordan Cyrus, All-Tidewater boys soccer player of the year

Norfolk Academy senior Jordan Cyrus has always had a knack for scoring .

From netting the winner in the Tidewater Conference tournament final as a freshman, to leading the league in goals as a sophomore.

“When I was younger, I used to think about scoring goals all the time,” Cyrus said. “That was my No. 1 priority. But I’ve definitely turned into a team player.”

But it’s his transformation from goal-poacher to all-around threat during his junior and senior years that has helped keep the Bulldogs at the top of the state private-school ranks during the fall .

It’s also what cemented Cyrus as the pick for All-Tidewater Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Cyrus oozed class on the field with his deft touch, slick footwork and blazing shots, but the added responsibilities of being captain meant more than just leading by example.

Bulldogs coach Sean Wetmore “has really helped me become more of a leader,” Cyrus said. “It’s helped me help others become better.”

And throughout his career, he’s taken a short-sighted approach to keep the game fresh in his mind for the long haul – especially when the next step is lacing up for reigning NCAA champion Marlyand.

“I’ve learned to go into every game and view it as the same game,” Cyrus said. “That really helps me keep my level of play up.”

Cyrus is “the best player I’ve ever had – period,” said Wetmore, who has also coached former standouts and college players Ian Holder, Phil Hucles and T.J. Cyrus during the past 12 years. “It has to do with his play. He’s very versatile – we’ve played him in the midfield, back of the midfield, out wide and up top … he’s a total winner.”

T.J. Cyrus, Jordan’s older brother, was the All-Tidewater Player of the Year in 2006 and ’07. Holder earned the honor in 2003.

“It’s definitely a big thing ... a lot of players have done well. It’s a great honor — but also something I have to live up to.”

Darrell Cuenca, (757) 446-2366 darrell.cuenca@pilotonline.com