Being teammates is hardly a novel concept for Greenwood Christian Academy soccer players Gerrit and Griffin Huizinga.
They first played together a dozen years ago at the Baxter YMCA in Indianapolis. Gerrit was 4 years old; Griffin was 3.
“I don’t really remember it at all. We have pictures, at least of me. I don’t know about Griffin,” Gerrit said with a laugh.
Photographic evidence isn’t required to verify the success the Huizingas are enjoying this season for a 6-1 Cougars squad that, for reasons unclear, isn’t ranked in the weekly Class A coaches’ poll.
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Gerrit, a midfielder, leads Greenwood Christian in goals with six to go along with two assists. Griffin, a sophomore forward, so far has contributed three goals and is tied with two teammates for the top spot in assists with four.
Both brothers made significant contributions last season when GCA won a sectional crown for the second time in program history. Gerrit Huizinga’s 11 goals were second only to Noah Jurgenson’s 18; his eight assists were bested only by Ben Hodson’s 17.
Jurgenson, Hodson and seven other seniors from that Cougars squad have graduated.
This requires Gerrit and Griffin to take a bigger stake in what Greenwood Christian is attempting to accomplish offensive and defensively.
Not that Cougars coach Dan Carmichael objects.
“Most coaches would love to have just one very talented athlete such as these two,” Carmichael said. “Not only are they talented, but they complement each other on the field.
“Like many others on this year’s team, they are very versatile and can play many different positions. Gerrit and Griffin are great kids on and off the field who represent God, our school and this team like leaders should.”
The Huizingas’ father, George, is a former player at Wofford College and currently the GCA assistant coach. Older sister Holyn played soccer for the Cougar girls prior to graduating last spring.
Gerrit and Griffin are flourishing carrying on the family tradition.
“What I like most about soccer is it’s a sport where you have to be thinking all of the time,” Griffin said. “I like knowing there’s somebody out there that I already know what he’s going to do.”
Gerrit is the more demonstrative and vocal of the two during competition. Griffin tends to business while keeping his thoughts and emotions internalized.
Off the field, the personalities are reversed. Griffin is more extroverted and his older brother more laid back.
Whatever the case, it works.
“I really enjoy playing soccer with Griffin. It’s been a lot of fun,” Gerrit said. “You have to have great team chemistry, and what better chemistry than having a brother out there with you.”
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GERRIT HUIZINGA
Age: 16
Class: Junior
Ht: 5-9
Wt: 145
Position: Forward
GRIFFIN HUIZINGA
Age: 15
Class: Sophomore
Ht: 5-8
Wt: 130
Position: Midfield
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