For Aaron Schwartz, there's nothing like the feeling that he gets on the soccer field.

"I absolutely love playing soccer," Schwartz said. "It just gives me a sense of satisfaction and euphoria that nothing else will. I love to play.

"If I could, I'd do it every single day."

Due to his hard work and dedication to the sport over the years, Schwartz will get a chance to continue his soccer career after high school. He's considering Division I programs.

Schwartz, a talented senior, certainly earned his status as The Day's 2013 All-Area Boys' Soccer Player of the Year.

He led Waterford High School to a program-record 15-1 mark during the regular season, an Eastern Connecticut Conference Medium Division title and Class M state tournament berth. He received his second straight all-state honor and also was named All-New England.

"He has had a tremendous impact on our success the past couple of years," Waterford coach Joe Mendonca, Jr. said. "He definitely played a key role."

Mendonca had the good fortune of coaching Schwartz the last three years. During that time, the Lancers grew as a program, going from five wins in 2011 to 12 in 2012 and then to 15 victories this season.

A highly-skilled center midfielder, Schwartz served as a catalyst.

"He's a very dynamic and overall just a very good player," Mendonca said. "He has some of the best technical abilities that I've seen in a high school player in quite some time. Tactically, he reads the game very, very well. And he has surprising quickness and strength on the ball.

"He can instantly change the game with the ball at his feet."

Schwartz's biggest improvement this season came in the leadership department. A team captain, he took an active role, paying particular attention to guiding the younger players on the team.

He helped keep his teammates focused and organized and kept raising the bar.

"I tried to be positive and tried to keep kids working well together," Schwartz said. "... Going into my senior year, I knew it's a big responsibility being a captain and leading a team. It's a mindset that you have to have to better the team and put the team ahead of your own problems and desires."

Schwartz's love affair began in his early playing days. His parents encouraged him to try the sport and he took off from there. As a 9-year old, he joined the Southeast Soccer Club.

His Southeast coaches encouraged him to improve his all-around game.

"Once I realized I could get to a higher level, I pushed myself further," Schwartz said. "My desire to play was that much higher."

When he arrived at Waterford, he made the varsity as a freshman and started every game. He trained with the state's Olympic Development Program and was picked for the Region I pool. His confidence grew from the experience.

Schwartz thrived in Mendonca's system at Waterford. He scored 23 goals and had 10 assists in the last two seasons.

The Lancers won their first 12 games this year, but their season ended in painful fashion, losing to No. 11 Lyman Hall in the Class M second round on penalty kicks.

"Obviously, I was disappointed," Schwartz said. "I was sad. … It kind of made me think back to all the years I've been playing. It was really tough to walk off the field knowing it was my last game."

There's plenty of soccer left for Schwartz. He's training with Southeast twice a week and trying to figure out where he'll go to college. UConn and Sacred Heart are two schools high on his list. He plans on studying to become a physician's assistant.

And, of course, he plans to play soccer.

Schwartz left the Waterford program in a better place than when he arrived.

"Aaron is definitely going to be missed," Mendonca said. "He definitely helped set a standard and level of play and set what the expectations are for Waterford soccer."

g.keefe@theday.com

The Day's 2013 All-Area Boys' Soccer Team

Player of the Year - Aaron Schwartz (Waterford)

Forward, Lucas Johnson (East Lyme), Tim Paz (NFA), Nick Strecker (Montville).

Midfield, T.J. Condon (Wheeler), Rowan Hallahan (Old Lyme), Mason Rivera (NFA).

Defense, Gabe Diaz (Montville), Greg Swenson (East Lyme), Jayse Tyropolis (Waterford), Griffin Woods (East Lyme).

Goalie, Spencer Saunders (Old Lyme).