No Pane,
no gain

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Phillip Pane is the type of person who likes to perform.
Whether the George Washington High School senior is showcasing his skills on the soccer field or in the school play, Pane has no problem being in the spotlight.
In fact, he thrives on it.
"I love having all eyes on me," said Pane. "I find motivation in knowing that everyone is counting on me and I can’t let them down."
Pane has been doing a superb job meeting people’s expectations. On the pitch, he serves as goaltender and has helped the Eagles grab first place in the Philadelphia Public League A Division, finishing the regular season 6-1-1.
"This year is by far the most fun," said Pane, a four-year varsity player. "It’s been a fantastic experience. There’s some pressure ’cause it’s my last year and if I don’t get it done, that’s it. But I want to go out on top."
The Eagles faced Furness Horace High School in the first round of the playoffs, coming out of the game with a 4-1 win. Their success continued with a 3-0 win over Samuel Fels High School on Monday in the quarterfinals.
The squad was scheduled to play Central High School in the semifinals on Wednesday, as the Times went to press.
"We are a very defensively strong team," said coach Earl Mathes, who guided the Eagles to a Public League title in 2005. "We’ve been very successful with him (Pane) playing goal. He’s a smart player and has the ability to be where he’s supposed to be when he’s supposed to be there."
Pane has always been a natural fit for the position, acting as goaltender since he started playing soccer a decade ago.
"There’s something about jumping around in the mud and saving or breaking a game that was always thrilling," said Pane. "I’ve always loved it.
"The position is tough, especially in those moments when it’s a tight game and all eyes are on you," he continued. "One goal can make the difference between a win and a loss, so I take my responsibilities with the position seriously."
The senior’s responsibilities span far beyond the soccer field. In the classroom, Pane has earned a 3.7 grade-point average and serves as senior class president.
"I’m really enjoying my role as class president," he said. "There’s a certain feeling you get when all eyes are on you and you need to make decisions that affect other classmates."
He has other responsibilities when the school day ends — for example, practicing for the school play, Little Shop of Horrors. He also spends time with Comedy Sports, an impromptu comedy club after-school program.
"I like keeping busy and staying involved at school," he said. "It’s a lot of fun. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to have school, then meetings, then soccer practice, and then go home and do homework assignments — by then it’s time for sleep and I do it all over again the next day.
"But all the hard work is definitely worth it," he said with a grin.
Pane got a taste of sweet victory as a sophomore when the Eagles won the Public League soccer championship, and now he’s hungry for more.
"We were the number-one seed in the playoffs, and the youngest kid on the team was playing goalie," recalled Pane. "But I made a few saves and played a good game. Winning that championship was the greatest feeling in the world."
The squad has come a long way since then, and so has the current goalie. Over the years, new faces and playing styles have come and gone, leaving Pane as just one of two players who were part of that ’05 championship team.
"It’s been a crazy transition," said Pane. "I feel like the team has gotten very diversified, which is incredibly cool. There are people with different backgrounds and beliefs and languages and talents.
"The most important thing is that we all speak the universal language of soccer," he added. "The team feels great this year."
Pane — who has started for the Eagles throughout his four years with the squad — stepped up this season as team captain. But by now, the senior is pretty cozy with his leadership roles at Washington High School.
"Personally, I’ve gotten a lot louder over the years and stepped up as a leader more," said Pane. "There’s a lot of responsibility there, but that’s what motivates me. But if it helps my classmates and teammates, I’ll gladly accept that responsibility anytime." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com