High school soccer team surprises senior with Down syndrome with his first team start

Greg Zenas had never played varsity soccer before, even though he has been team manager for the Dexter, Michigan high school for the last six years. On October 4, his team and coach Scott Forrester surprised him with the opportunity to play on Senior Night.

Zenas didn't know he was going to play until his coach handed him a brown paper bag with his cleats and shin guards.


When he was announced over the P.A. system, the crowd went crazy and kept cheering for Zenas, No. 17, throughout the game.


He had several touches, including some near the opposing team's goal, and played for over half the game.


“He feels like he’s one of them,” said his mom, Julie Zenas. “He has for the last six years, but I think it’s the sense of accomplishment, of being out there.”


“That’s what it’s all about, the memories that these guys carry on,” his coach told AnnArbor.com. “It’s not just what he’s going to get out of it, it’s what his teammates are going to get out of it.”


Oh and, by the way, they won.

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