Photis Zagraphou recently ended his senior soccer season at Whitehall with a sense of frustration and satisfaction.

The senior captain wasn't satisfied with the fact that he missed six games this season due to a concussion, a period he believed was crucial to his team's success as they dropped five of the six contests in the process.

On the other hand, Zagraphou is excited about the face that the program is on the upswing despite missing district playoffs this season as well as the overall nature of the sport on the high school level.

"I feel bittersweet about the season," said Zagraphou. "I knew that my team did miss me out there. As a captain, it was very tough for me not to be out there. We had some ups and downs all year and that was a bad stretch for us when I wasn't out there.

"But this program really has been changed with this coaching staff. As a senior, I know my time was limited, but I would really like to be part of the future here."

Most of his driving enthusiasm and nostalgic feeling is due to the infusion of new head coach Chris Bastsids. The first-year head coach has proved to be the much-needed, shot-in-the-arm the program needed.

"The coaches here have made a difference," noted Zagraphou. "I quickly noticed a difference. This is the first time that I have been here that we are very close. We're really not a team, but a family.

"Coach Bastidas is a hands-on-coach who has really out a lot of fight into us."

His coach appreciates the accolades and can easily return the favor.

"Photis (Zagraphou) is a very hard worker who knows how to take charge," said Bastidas. "Guys like and respect him. He had a good season and we wish we could have had him healthy the entire season."

Soccer has been a staple in his family. His grandfather and uncles played soccer and his father was a rugby player. His cousins and other family members also are active in the sport in their native Tottenham, England. His father, Yiannis, and uncle Pete Kavourias have been the biggest influences in his career.

"Soccer is in my blood," he said. "Most of my family members are soccer players in England. I have been playing soccer ever since I could walk. I have been playing soccer throughout the year with high school and club soccer.

"But next year, I am just going to be concentrating on playing club soccer."

Zagraphou plans to attend Penn State Lehigh Valley next fall to pursue a career in finance and accounting eventually leading to real estate. Yet, Zagraphou would abandon those plans to play soccer in England.

"In a heartbeat," he stated about making a choice to play in England, "Soccer is a lot more intense there. But you're starting to see that kind of intensity here. The high school game is more intense and the crowds are getting bigger."

Along with soccer, Zagraphou is a member of the school's National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Club, Outdoor Club, and he plans to join the track team this spring.

However, soccer is still in his spotlight.

"I want to keep playing as long as I can," he said. "This as a good high school career, but now I have to get to the next step."