Noah Stone, a senior at Chelsea High School, spent six years playing club soccer with the Michigan Wolves before deciding to finish his soccer career with his school team. For his last season, he wanted something different: a chance to enjoy the game in a new environment and connect more with his classmates.
“I was with the Michigan Wolves out of Livonia for about six years,” Stone said. “It was really demanding and took a lot of time out of my day. With only one year left, I figured I’d have some fun with the guys at school.”
The transition wasn’t just about time commitment. Stone felt the overall feel of high school soccer stood out compared to club soccer.
“Obviously, the levels are a bit different,” Stone said. “In the club, every single team you play is gonna be good. With high school, there’s more variety.”
High school soccer also gave him a more balanced lifestyle. Club soccer meant traveling across the country and practicing late into the night. Playing for Chelsea allowed him to focus more on schoolwork while still enjoying the game. Additionally, the move also brought a stronger sense of connection.
“I definitely feel more connected to the school,” Stone said. “When I played for the Wolves, nobody really knew about it. Now people ask about our games, and it feels good to represent my school.”
One of his favorite moments came in a nail-biting matchup this season. “I had a free kick on the left side of the box, about 22 yards out,” Stone said. “I hit the crossbar, it bounced in, and we won the game with about a minute left. That was pretty exhilarating.”
He also recalled the atmosphere of a close win against Dexter, saying the energy from the stands made it one of the most exciting games of his career.
“In hindsight, I maybe would have joined earlier,” Stone said. “But I’m glad I came over for this last year.”
Stone also offered advice for younger players trying to decide between club and high school soccer.
“If you get the chance to play MLS, definitely give it a shot,” Stone said. “But if you’re not getting a great return, high school is still a great place to play soccer.”
