Senior Myles Notkin sits on the sideline, watching his teammates. Notkin has proven himself to be a great leader for the CCHS Cowboys. Photo Credit KAYLA LOKEINSKY
BY ALYSSA FISHER
Just moments before the big Friday night game, the Cooper City Cowboys channel their inner NFL player and prepare to play their greatest game yet. The crowd watches in awe as senior captain Myles Notkin confidently gathers up his team into a group huddle. Feeding off the crowd’s enthusiastic energy, he gives them a quick pep talk before jumping into a discussion on the upcoming play. This small yet significant gesture is what distinguishes Notkin as one of the most influential leaders at CCHS.
Growing up, Notkin was an avid sports fan. He played soccer and basketball, but after playing on a football team for the first time in third grade, it quickly became his passion. He met many of the other members of the CCHS football team during those early years, and he immediately began honing his leadership skills.
After demonstrating his leadership on and off the field throughout high school, Notkin earned the coveted position of captain. But when a new coaching staff arrived at CCHS, he was intent upon proving them that he can take on the job of being captain and lead the team.
“Being a leader means the world to me,” Notkin said. “I consider every player on the team as one of my brothers, and knowing that they look toward me to lead them is all I can ever ask for.”
According to Notkin, the CCHS football team is truly like a family. He trusts every one of his “brothers” and they relay the same trust in him to tear up the field on Friday nights. Even when a mistake is made out there, they turn it into a team learning experience that will help them to grow and become even better.
When leading the team, Notkin is usually focused on loosening his teammates up. It’s much too easy for them to get caught up in the game and forget why they are really out there: to have fun and play the game that they all love. He has gained his team’s trust, and they all know that they can count on him no matter what. He has a great connection with everyone on the team, but there are certain players that have helped Notkin become the best captain he can be.
“I greatly appreciate what my offensive linemen do for me,” Notkin said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be successful.”
The coaches urge Notkin and the other senior captain, Matthew Levitan, to lead the team with all of their power. They take it upon themselves to call senior meetings and act as field generals to challenge the other players.
“I always lead by example,” Notkin said. “Sometimes actions go further than words.”
Strong leaders are rarely able to achieve greatness all on their own. There is always that one person that serves as a role model, and in Notkin’s life, that person is his father. He is the one who made Notkin’s life what it is today by encouraging him to try football.
“My dad has never missed a game,” Notkin said. “I’ve always done my best to make him proud, and I know he appreciates it.”
While no one can be completely sure of what the future has in store, Notkin knows that football will remain a large part of his life.
“I definitely see myself being a football coach in the future,” Notkin said. “I appreciate everything that my coaches have done for me in the past to make me the man I am today. I want to be that person in someone else’s life.”
