The Delbarton soccer program enters the 2025 season with momentum, experience, and high expectations. Under the direction of head coach Dr. David Donovan, now in his 33rd season with a career mark of 570-90-33, the Green Wave continue to stand among the premier programs in New Jersey. Last fall, Delbarton finished 20-1-1, winning the NJAC American Division championship and finishing No. 2 in the state rankings, and with only three starters lost from that squad, the team returns a that is deep in both talent and leadership.
The Green Wave will be captained by seniors Peter Lines, Marcus Arthur, Henry Kovacs, and Skanda Damaraju, four players who embody the program's core values of discipline, accountability, teamwork and growth. "The Soccer Program prides itself on developing leaders," Donovan said. "We're fortunate to have a great senior class with many great leaders and candidates for Captaincy. The team and coaching staff decided upon four in particular: Skanda Damaraju, Henry Kovacs, Peter Lines, and Marcus Arthur—young men who bring different gifts, but they express equally well the program values of Discipline, Accountability, Teamwork, and Growth."
That senior class provides both stability and star power. Owen Miller, who led the team with 20 goals and 10 assists in 2024, returns as a centerpiece of the attack, pairing with junior Liam Murphy to form a dangerous forward line. In midfield, Kovacs, Damaraju, Franco Piarulli, Dylan Mazzarella, and sophomore Evan Johnson give the Green Wave balance and depth, with Mazzarella eager to build on a strong season in which he tallied five goals and eight assists. The defense is anchored again this season by goalkeeper Sebastian Rubio, one of the state's best at his position, supported by fullbacks Lines and Damaraju and promising freshman Jordan Douglas, who will be counted on to contribute immediately. Sophomore newcomer Aidan Abere also adds strength to a midfield that already features several reliable playmakers.
With Miller's scoring ability, Murphy's pace, and Mazzarella's vision leading the attack, coupled with Rubio's presence in goal and an experienced back line, Delbarton has the pieces to once again contend for championships. The Green Wave face a tough NJAC schedule once again, but key matchups against Chaminade, St. Augustine and The Hun School will test the Green Wave over the course of the next three months.
The Green Wave open up the season on September 9 at home vs. Mendham.
