By Drew Costley

Paul Darmstadter, a senior midfielder on George Mason High School’s boys varsity soccer team, was named National Player of the Week by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and TopDrawerSoccer.com last Wednesday. He won the award for his performance during the week of April 4 to 11.

“I was elated that Paul won the award,” said George Mason Head Coach Frank Spinello. “He has been such an important part of our team and it was nice to see him get the credit that he deserves.”

Darmstadter scored nine goals and assisted with three more during the George Mason Mustangs’ four games that week. He scored a hat trick against Central High School, netted four goals against Rappahannock County High School, had the Mustangs’ lone goal against Manassas Park High School, and assisted with two goals against Clarke County High School. Darmstadter has 12 goals and seven assists so far this season.

“Paul has been dominant in every facet of the game. He plays it the right way,” Spinello said. “He contributes on both sides of the ball, as he is a dominant defensive player and is a dynamic playmaker and goal scorer. He is such a well-rounded player that he could probably be the best player on the field at any position we put him in.”

Darmstadter was moved from playing a defensive midfield position last season to playing an attacking midfielder role in the Mustangs’ offense this season.

“This year we needed more offensive fire power, so the obvious choice was to move Paul to attacking mid,” Spinello said. “With the players that we had returning we knew Paul would be more valuable for the team in his attacking role. … The decision has worked out extremely well and is a major factor in our early season success.”

Spinello said that Darmstadter has “stepped up as a leader” for the Mustangs this season.

“He is a captain this year and has been taking on more responsibility,” Spinello said. “He has matured as a player and as a leader on and off the field.”