Semoball Awards: Dodson wins boys soccer athlete award

Nothing beats the joy of delivering for your team.

Notre Dame soccer player Will Dodson was honored for doing just that with the Boys Soccer Athlete of the Year Award at the 2023 Semoball Awards presented by SoutheastHEALTH on Friday, July 14, at LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau.

Dodson said that considering the field of nominees, the award means a lot to him.

“It’s an honor,” Dodson said. “To be voted as one of the top players in the area is an honor especially when you consider the field of athletes.”

Dodson’s senior season saw him earn his third nomination for the award, but he hadn’t been able to get over the hump and win the award.

“I was left with a bit of a chip on my shoulder,” Dodson said. “I’m extremely grateful to finally win the award.”

On the field, Dodson has always been able to hold his own. He feels his biggest area of growth has been as a leader.

“The team captains taught me how to be a good leader my first three years,” Dodson said. “As a senior this year I was able to take that role seriously and focus on helping my younger teammates develop.”

Dodson scores his fair share of memorable goals across his time with the Bulldogs but he said some of his favorites include his diving header to complete a hat trick during the state quarterfinal his sophomore season.

Dodson also recalled his bicycle goal he scored this past season in the district championship against Cape Central.

Perhaps the most special part of his senior season won’t be found in any stat sheet.

“One of my favorite memories from this season is getting to end my career alongside Cole Bruenderman,” Dodson said. “I’ve had the privilege to play alongside him since we were like 8 years old.”

The Bulldogs finished the 2022 season 17-7-1 and made a trip to the state quarterfinals.

Now that Dodson has graduated, he will be leaving soccer behind and he will attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in human development on the pre-med track with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.

Dodson said that leaving soccer behind is going to be a change, but he will still find a way to stay involved in the sport.

“I have big goals and passions for my future career,” Dodson said. “Not playing soccer will definitely be a change of pace because I find so much comfort and relaxation in the sport. I’ll try to pursue opportunities like club soccer or intramurals to keep playing the sport I love.”