“Joseph was the talisman for the state championship team. He’s physically small, but he’s constantly moving, making smart runs and seems always available for a pass. He has a high soccer IQ. He’s not explosive, but always in the right place to make the play.”

Jeff Nelson

Head Coach

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-7, 135-pound junior midfielder led the Crusaders to an 18-5-3 record and the Class 4A state championship this past season. Abdenour netted 16 goals and passed for eight assists, including the lone goal in Cardinal Gibbons’ 1-0 win over Weddington High in the state title game, where he was named MVP. A First Team Class 4A All-State selection, he was the CAP 6 Conference Player of the Year and a United Soccer Coaches All-Mid Atlantic Region Team honoree.

Academic Achievement

Abdenour has maintained a weighted 3.35 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Abdenour has volunteered locally with Habitat for Humanity and by packing boxes at a food pantry. He has also donated his time as a youth soccer coach.