Sean Davis, Guest columnist Published 5:00 a.m. ET April 30, 2020

Sean Davis, a 27-year-old midfielder from Holmdel, was named captain of the New York Red Bulls on Thursday. Morristown Daily Record

This guest column is from Sean Davis, a star soccer player at Holmdel High School and Duke University playing professionallyin New Jersey for theRed Bulls. Davis, 27, is a midfielder and the teamcaptain.

As our car headed onto the Garden State Parkway via Exit 117 to our northbound destination - Red Bull Arena - a true sense of excitement and emotion came upon my family. That December afternoon in 2014 would be that tangible moment where I held up a professional jersey with my name across the back, and proudly, the New York Red Bulls crest on the front.

Joined by my first coach ever, my mother, alongside my father, we stood inside the beautiful 25,000-seat soccer stadium, which became my next home. With the sun shining, General Manager Marc de Grandpre handed me my No. 27 jersey indicating the beginning of my professional journey, which had begun 17 years earlier in the Central Jersey town of Holmdel.

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Like most young boys and girls throughout the state, it all started with the innocence of recreational soccer. Lynn Davis, a true novice to the sport, volunteered to serve as coach for the seven-year old team. Her role on the sidelines is still ingrained as one of the highlights of my time in soccer.

Sean Davis #27 of New York Red Bulls during a game against FC Cincinnati at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Sunday March 1, 2020.(Ben Solomon/New York Red Bulls)(Photo: Ben Solomon, (Ben Solomon/New York Red Bulls))

The next year, I was invited to join the Holmdel Bulldogs travel club who played on the old SS White Fields, adjacent to County Road 520. The team was led by Coaches Jay and John, both from my hometown, who played incredible roles as people who truly crafted my love for the game. Most importantly its where I made some lifelong friends that I later attended high school with.

Holmdel native Sean Davis celebrates his first MLS goal in the second half of last Sunday for the New York Red Bulls against the LA Galaxy.(Photo: USA TODAY Sports)

Looking back, Holmdel was the place that granted me so many key people in my life who ended up shaping me - as a soccer player, student and the person who I have become today. Kristin Elfner Savare, my 2nd grade teacher at Holmdel Elementary School, is someone who had a major impact on my life in the classroom. Along with Coaches Jay and John, I am still in touch with Kristin and her family today. They have all come to Red Bull Arena to watch me play; its funny how life comes full circle.

I later attended Holmdel High School, where I had the opportunity to play on the varsity team during my freshman year. At the conclusion of that season, head coach John Nacarlo awarded me the team MVP. I distinctly remember getting the Asbury Park Press on our doorstep and seeing my name in print as an All-Division player. I always loved opening the newspaper to see who appeared on the All-Shore teams.

My journey led me to Durham, North Carolina, where I had the privilege of playing at Duke University. My parents always prioritized education and stressed the importance of graduation, despite my ambition to one day play soccer on a professional level.

Following my collegiate years, I would train with the Red Bulls club with some of their reserves. I caught the eye of club legend Thierry Henry, considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, who encouraged the organization to sign me to a professional contract. I was simply honored and blown away by his endorsement.

Having the privilege to play in front of my family and dearest friends has been my favorite part about playing for the Red Bulls over the last six years. The people that have supported me from such a young age - back on the fields of Holmdel - still support me today at Red Bull Arena. I can look in the stands and see them at every home match we play.

During this pandemic, New Jersey has been one of the hardest hit areas both medically and economically. I dont get to play soccer during these times, but that is not a priority in the grand scheme of things. Due to the current situation, there are people dealing with serious health issues as well as those trying to put food on their table and keeping a roof over their heads. Those are the problems and issues we have to understand and empathize with.

My mother has been an EMT for over ten years. When I think back to my childhood, I think of my mother waking up at all hours of the night (in addition to her full-time job) anytime her pager rang to help support the Holmdel EMT squad. The people on the front lines are the true heroes as they continue to sacrifice their health and wellness for the sake of others.

Holmdel native Sean Davis, now playing for the New York Red Bulls, as a 6-year-old with his mother, Lynn.(Photo: Courtesy Sean Davis)

As team captain of the Red Bulls, my pride and commitment to the community is stronger and deeper than ever before, especially during these trying times. I am truly indebted to my family, friends, coaches and teachers from my hometown of Holmdel, as they all provided me the roadmap for my journey as a professional athlete.

My sincere thoughts are with those impacted during these difficult times and I look forward to the day we can all be together again.

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Red Bulls soccer: Holmdel native Sean Davis eager for 'day we can all be together again' - Asbury Park Press