Few things, if any, bring Tyler Fidrych more joy than having a soccer ball at his feet. 

It just feels natural to Fidrych, Stonington High School’s midfield maestro. 

Forget about Disneyland.

The happiest place on Earth for Fidrych is the soccer field. 

“When I step on the field and the ball is at my feet, I couldn’t be happier,” Fidrych said. “I just love that feeling of getting on the field and playing. That's my favorite thing, getting on the ball and making the guys around me better and creating for them. It’s just fun.” 

Fidrych was named The Day’s 2019 All-Area Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year after a stellar senior season. He led the Bears (19-0-3) to an undefeated season that included an Eastern Connecticut Conference regular season and league tournament title and the first outright state championship in program history.

They shared the crown in 1993.

It was truly a memorable fall for Fidrych, a complete player who made his mark as a lethal scorer, crafty playmaker and respected leader. He finished with an impressive 25 goals and 34 assists and made all-state and All-New England for the first time. He set a single-season school record for points.

Fidrych was a force during the magical state tournament run, contributing nine goals and three assists in four games. He received the Most Valuable Player award in the state finals.

The fact that Fidrych accomplished the state championship feat with his long-time soccer buddies made it even more special.

“This group of guys, we’ve all been playing together and known each other for so long,” Fidrych said. “Not many people thought we could do it. I think we really had a belief that we could do it and we came together. … It was just an amazing season.” 

Stonington coach Paul deCastro calls Fidrych, a four-year member of the varsity team, the best player he’s ever coached.

“With what he did this year, he has to be the best,” deCastro said. “I’ve got to call it the way it is. He led us to an undefeated season and a (state) championship. … On the ball, he’s just a step ahead of all the other guys. His decision making, he’s always a step ahead. His first touch is great. His passing, his vision. He puts a lot of time in his game and you can see it on the field. … There’s a lot of things he does well.”

Fidrych almost adopted a different fall sport. Football was his “thing” until around fourth grade. He made the switch after playing indoor soccer for the first time.

He’s been hooked on soccer ever since, playing year-round.

“I completely fell in love with it,” Fidrych said. “It just seemed natural to me.”

It didn’t take long for youth soccer coaches to notice his talent. DeCastro remembers Fidrych standing out from the crowd in a camp.

“He just had something about his personality that he stood out,” deCastro said. “He was just a little spark plug that was always bouncing around with a lot of skills. I was like, 'Who is this little guy?’

“Since then, you always had an eye on him because you knew he was going to be a good player.”

Good is an understatement when you look at where Fidrych is now.

Earlier this month, Fidrych attended a U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development camp in Bradenton, Fla., as a member of the East Region team. He competed in front of college and pro coaches as well as national team scouts. 

In April, he’s traveling with the East Region team to Germany to play some games.

“It will be cool,” Fidrych said.

Soccer will continue to be a major part of his life after high school graduation. He’s still finalizing his college plans but definitely will play on the next level.

His love for the sport hasn’t wavered. If anything, it’s grown stronger. He’s always looking for ways to improve. He studies the game by watching professional matches.

“Every level I’ve played at, I try to be the best player on the field and make my mark,” Fidrych said.

Talent isn’t the only thing that places Fidrych in the special category.

DeCastro could tell by his conversations with Fidrych that he had the drive and determination to succeed.

“Obviously, it’s great when you have this much success,” deCastro said. “He is very determined. He had his goals set. He was focused and committed. He made a huge difference this year. He’s going to be a very difficult player to replace.”

g.keefe@theday.com

The Day's 2019 All-Area Boys' Soccer Team

Player

of

the

Year — Tyler Fidrych (Stonington)

Forward — Sam Montalto (Stonington), Daimon Pollard (Ledyard), Cooper Pazzaglia (East Lyme)

Midfield — Eric Leuchner (Fitch), Michael Milazzo (Old Lyme), Jacob Rose (Montville), Nick Washington (Ledyard)

Defense — Will Cannella (Stonington), Rhys Hammond (Stonington), Tim Lynch (Fitch)

Goalie — Peter Fernholz (Stonington)

Utility — Marc Josaphat (NFA), Scott Pion (Wheeler)