Rimon Zhao '27: XC Star Turned Budding Soccer Sensation
Rimon Zhao 27' jumps for a ball. Photo by Adi Houndegla.
Rimon Zhao 27' jumps for a ball. Photo by Adi Houndegla.
Rimon Zhao 27' locked in on the game. Photo by Adi Houndegla.
Rimon Zhao 27' locked in on the game. Photo by Adi Houndegla.
Rimon Zhao '27 was the star of last year's boys cross country team, but this fall he made a surprising move, leaving behind his racing shoes to lend his athletic talents to the soccer pitch.
Last year, the team missed clinching their fourth consecutive Massachusetts Bay Independent League (MBIL) Championship title, finishing second to their league-rival Gann Academy. However, the Gators staged an extraordinary comeback, delivering a historic performance at the New England Preparatory School Track Association (NEPSTA) meet.
Zhao crossed the finish line first for the Gators in the NEPSTA meet, coming in at 20:13.
“I had a great first season with the team, and I learned a lot under Coach Barker-Hook’s training program,” Zhao said for a Nov. 27, 2023 Gator article. “I was just happy to put in a good effort for the final races of the season.”
His strong season also resulted in him winning Most Valuable Player for the team.
Rimon Zhao 27' leads the pack during a XC race last year. Photo by David Barron
Rimon Zhao 27' leads the pack during a XC race last year. Photo by David Barron
“I’ve played soccer for 10 years, and I felt like it was a part of my life."
— Rimon Zhao '27
Zhao grew up playing soccer in his home country of China, where he developed a deep love for the game. His extensive experience playing at a high level in China made the transition to the American high school level relatively smooth.
“I played for a long time, so I still had the skills to be playing at the high school varsity level now," Zhao said.
Head Soccer Coach Chris Hardman is impressed with Zhao’s game and intangibles.
“Rimon's been a great addition to the team,” Hardman remarked," Hardman said. “He is a great teammate, he really works well with the players that are already on the team, and his individual skill is right up there.”
Co-Captain Christoph Kasper '25 is thrilled to have Zhao on the team.
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“He has been super competitive and really brings the heat in each game. He adds a lot of strength and wins us a lot of balls in the midfield. He's so fast and so skilled. We're really lucky to have him this year.”
— Christoph Kasper '25
Rimon Zhao 27' splits the defense to get the ball up field.
Rimon Zhao 27' splits the defense to get the ball up field.
Though he has switched sports, Zhao doesn't at all regret taking on the challenge of running cross country. In fact, he previously ran track in China, but had never been a part of a designated long-distance running team.
Zhao emphasizes how helpful cross country was for his transition back to soccer.
“The most important thing was stamina and you need to run all around the field," Zhao said. "After training cross-country, it helped me to run faster.”
Not only did Zhao gain many valuable physical skills from cross country, but he also developed the intangibles to succeed in soccer as well. Zhao highlights the psychological strengths he acquired.
"I think for cross-country, one of the best qualities for me is never giving up,” Zhao said.
Rimon Zhao 27' enjoys a still moment during the game. Photo by Adi Houndegla.
Rimon Zhao 27' enjoys a still moment during the game. Photo by Adi Houndegla.
Since Zhao is still an underclassman, his future looks bright for the soccer team.
“I think his leadership is going to come along," Hardman said. "He will be able to do so much more on the field in the next few years.”
Zhao's new team is filled with both new and returning talent this fall, but their early success was derailed by a series of persistent injuries to the team.
Catch Zhao and The Gators take on Hossick School on Saturday, October 26 for Homecoming at 11:00 a.m. at Orr Field.
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