ALL-CVA BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ben Freeman, Orange County

Ben Freeman is the consummate team player. So when his high school coach, Dwane Pugh, approached him about switching positions his senior year from striker to sweeper, he agreed.

Orange County had lost six starters from the previous year, including several of the top defenders, and the four-year starter wanted to do anything to help his team win.

“I was used to scoring goals and racking up points. But I play for a SOCA team and play center back for them,” Freeman said. “So I was pretty experienced, it wasn’t like I was just being thrown in there. But I couldn’t help my team out as much offensively. It was tough, but it was worth it — a sacrifice for the team.”

The move paid dividends as the Hornets captured their third straight regular-season Jefferson District title, as well as the tournament crown, and advanced to the Region II semifinals. Freeman, who earned district player of the year honors and all-state and all-region accolades is The Daily Progress’ pick for boys soccer player of the year.

One of the highlights for Freeman and his team came when he was shifted to forward midway through the district tournament final against Western Albemarle.

“We were losing to Western Albemarle in the Jefferson District tournament final 1-0. Coach made some changes and pushed me to forward,” Freeman said.

“We were able to move the ball around well and I scored to tie the game. Then my teammate [Cody Fincham] scored to put us ahead.”

The rally sealed the win and the Hornets secured the tournament title. Orange, which finished with a 15-2-2 record, eventually fell in the region semifinals.

Freeman was a member of the swimming, track and cross country teams at Orange, but said nothing compares to soccer, a sport he has been playing since he was five years old.

“Running around is a great feeling on the field. You are constantly moving — not like in football or baseball,” Freeman said. “Soccer doesn’t get much attention in America. People have their arguments, but it really is the most team-oriented sport. I love having the bond with the guys, and knowing they have your back out there.”

In fact, Freeman plans to continue his soccer career at the next level — he will suit up for Division III Roanoke College this fall. He also drew interest from James Madison and Old Dominion.

“I’m not ready to let soccer go — I definitely want to keep playing,“ Freeman said. “I figured I had the best chance to play early at Roanoke.”

At Roanoke, Freeman will play for Scott Allison, who led the Maroons to the ODAC tournament title and into the NCAAs last season.

But Freeman will always cherish his memories at Orange County.

“It’s been a great experience, coming from midway-bottom of the league and then just building from there. The coaching has been great and it’s been great having a group of core players to help build the program up,” Freeman said. “In Orange we’re not really known as a soccer powerhouse. My sophomore through senior year, we won the regular season Jefferson District title. So we definitely have a target on our backs now. Hopefully the guys still at the school can continue that run next year.”

Freeman left them with a fine example.