NORFOLK, Va. — The dimensions of a high school soccer goal are 8 feet by 24 feet, but Maury High School goalie Trevor Maloney makes those measurements seem smaller against opponents. Just 6 feet tall himself, the junior takes it personal when he's the last line of defense for a young Commodores team. "It's just what I love really", says Maloney who would have no other way. He's considered by many the best in the state at his position. "You need a goalkeeper who can organize, can attack", says head coach Dana Shaffer.
Maloney's talent was built through local soccer clubs. He's also been playing with the Olympic development program. "Back in middle school lower school around third grade when we weren't allowed keepers, I would just sit in the goal. A little peewee size goal and I would just make sure the ball didn't go in", he says.
The work Maloney has put in has gotten the interest of pro teams like the Columbus Crew and D.C. United. They've had him go through trials with their club teams. Then there's the international side with the Barcelona Academy in Arizona.
Soccer is a team sport, but for goalkeepers like Maloney, there are times when you're on an island all by yourself in a match. "Just never crack under pressure", he says. "It's something that's always stayed with me. I personally feel I play better with it." Now that's the kind of mindset you want from someone that is with a match on the line.