The Athlete Spotlight recognizes exceptional athletes who not only show great talent in their sport, but also possess a strong work ethic and serve as a steady anchor for their team. Nolan Perry (‘26) exemplifies these traits indubitably. Perry has been selected for the Athlete Spotlight for the month of October, shining light on Cherry Hill High School East’s boys soccer team.  

Great soccer players exercise passion and commitment for the game. Perry is no different. He started soccer at the age of three, playing for Youth TOPsoccer. Since then, he hasn’t looked back. Whenever he gets the chance, he goes to local soccer fields just to get in extra touches and train for the game he loves. In addition to East soccer, he plays for Real JFC at the NAL level. 

“I work really hard, I like to keep [my team environments] positive,” said Perry.

Perry is a fluent, hybrid midfielder. Perry makes his rounds up and down the field, and uses all his skill to make successful slide tackles. Although Perry is a defensive powerhouse, he is also one of the East team’s top scorers. He scored seven goals this season playing center midfield for East. Perry played a vital role in the team’s success, serving as a captain for the season and proving his talent.

In addition to being a great addition to the team’s goal sheets, Perry is a leader who carries with him a humble, consistent attitude. 

“Nolan is a leader on the field, he is one of the most hardworking players I’ve played with,” said one of his teammates, Mustafa Ahmed (‘25).

Behind every triumphant athlete is a team who has their back. The East boys soccer team is built upon a positive environment, in which everyone lifts each other up. To improve, they push each other to their limits. When Perry was asked how he finds so much success on the field, he credited his teammates.  

“It helped me to learn from the best,” Perry said, referring to his talented teammates. 

Being a stand out soccer player not only requires skill and dedication, but also athleticism. Perry excels in both soccer and lacrosse. In the 2023-24 season, Perry scored 12 goals for East lacrosse. This is a clear testimony of his athletic prowess within multiple fields. 

With aspirations to play soccer at the collegiate level, the future is looking bright for Perry. As Perry is only a junior, he still has another season for development and to play for East soccer. Before he leaves, he hopes to help guide the team to States and to make First Team All Conference. And, an even bigger aspiration, he yearns to assist the team to sectional finals. 

The Athlete Spotlight selects well rounded athletes, who are not only prodigies on the field, but also demonstrate captainship and diligence. Taking into account Perry’s confident and committed attitude, talent, and innate ability to play the role of a captain, he was a worthy selection for this month. 

“Just work hard [and] take it all in,” Perry advises younger athletes.