Hawthorne Christian Academy

September 22, 2015

Instincts, speed, skills and power – the qualities that make Rene White a prolific scorer were on display when he scored his 100th career goal against Palisades Park on Wednesday.

The Hawthorne Christian senior knew when to make a run and sped past the defense. He deftly settled the pass from Joey Leveroni with his thigh, transferring the soccer ball to his foot. A stride or so later, he blasted it off the far post and into the net.

“That was a big milestone for me,” White said. “I was actually trying to get that last year. I scored 34 goals; I needed four more to get 100. I was really excited to get it.”

Turns out the big goal was just the start of things for White, The Record Male Athlete of the Week.

He ended up collecting two goals and an assist in the 8-0 victory over Palisades Park. He had a goal and an assist in the Defenders’ 4-1 win over Emerson on Friday. He closed out the week with three goals in a 4-3 victory over Elmwood Park on Saturday.

Although he’s proud to be the first Hawthorne Christian player, boy or girl, to reach the 100-goal mark, what made it more special is how his team rallied around him. Not only were they eager to help him reach the milestone, but immediately after, his teammates took turns congratulating him. Then he came to the sideline for more hugs and high-fives.

“I really love my team,” White said. “They were really grateful for me.

“I had to score two goals that game [to reach 100] and they were all working to get me those two goals. It was a great atmosphere and I love playing with those guys.”

The Defenders had a big crowd on hand Saturday for their homecoming game, and coach Tyler Van Dyk presented White with the ball used to score the milestone goal.

“I’m not sure where I’m going to put it,” White said.

“It’s still in my bag. It’s probably [the best memento] that I have.”