GARRET WEBB (B4) moves the ball upfield in this photo from the Bulldogs’ 2-0 win over DePaul Sept. 1. Webb, a preseason Hermann Award nominee, is the senior leader of the men’s soccer team. Photo: Sarah Andrews

Soccer is normally a game of speed and agility, but for Garrett Webb (B4), it’s the size that matters.

“As an athlete, I wouldn’t say that I’m spectacular,” Webb said. “I don’t have the highest vertical or the fastest 40 time, but what I do have is a little bit of everything.”

The 6-foot-2-inch forward does have a physicality not often seen in soccer. Webb uses his size to his advantage.

In 2008, Webb led the Bulldogs with eight goals, six assists, 22 points, 42 shots, 22 shots on goal and three game-winning goals. The success brought Webb national attention, as he was named to the 2009 Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy Watch List. The trophy is considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer.

This season, Webb runs at the front of the pack for the Bulldogs in goals, shots on goal and points. While his statistics may not add up to last year’s, his presence is still felt.

“You can’t really measure his value to the team statistically,” Head Coach Sean Holmes said. “He’s such a dangerous physical presence. If you saw him, you wouldn’t think he was a soccer player.”

Webb sees things differently from Holmes.

“I like to think that I look like a soccer player, but I definitely use my size to my advantage to hold off defenders and cause havoc for opposing defenses,” Webb said.

Although sacrificing his body doesn’t always beautify the stat book, Webb said he will do anything to help his team win.

“I’ll put myself in situations that could pull a couple defenders out of place, allowing my teammates to take advantage, which they have been doing phenomenally,” Webb said.

Teammate Calvin Clark (B4) described Webb as determined, ferocious and strong.

“He’s a very big Kansas boy so he uses his size and strength,” Clark said. “Every single game we play, he’s the biggest player on the field.”

Though Webb’s size has helped garner success, he maintains a level head on and off the field.

“I strive to be myself and what other people want me to be,” Webb said. “It helps me stay humble and, so far, it has gotten me to where I want to be at this point in my life.”

Holmes said that Webb’s humility is one of his finest qualities.

“To be that good and not have a big ego is a rarity in today’s society,” Holmes said.

Webb accredits many of his personal qualities to his upbringing. In high school, he played basketball, baseball and soccer. Webb said each sport helped him become the athlete he is today.

Webb was surrounded by athletics from the beginning. His dad was a former basketball player, his mom played rugby in college, his sister played college softball and his brother plays football for Central College. Growing up around sports helped Webb develop a strong work ethic.

“I come from a hard-working and supportive family that I just want to make proud,” Webb said. “I want to be able to be there for them just as much as they’ve been there for me.”

Webb’s work ethic has been invaluable to the Bulldogs. Holmes said it will be missed.

“Teams are successful when their best players are the hardest working,” Holmes said.

Webb’s work ethic helped him emerge as a leader on the team during his sophomore year, when this year’s senior class got the chance to step on the field. They had to mold together to become successful.

“In spring of 2008 he barked at some of the younger players and made the transition from youngster to leader,” Holmes said.

“It was all about taking the next step,” Webb said. “We had the talent. We just needed to piece everything together, and we have been.”

Clark said hard work and fiery personality make Webb an ideal leader.

“He speaks his mind and makes sure that we are always focused, whether it be at practice or in a game,” Clark said.

Last season, the Bulldogs posted a record of 13-5-1, the best in school history. The Bulldogs will need to be focused to push that mark this year. No doubt they will continue looking to Webb for strong leadership and excellent play from his senior teammates.