When Adam Gadbois scored a goal in the state championship game as a freshman, it was the kind of moment he’d been waiting for.

“It was big time,” said the Mt. Ararat senior. “Making varsity as a freshman was obviously a great goal to have. The whole year I was battling and trying to find my role. Luckily (Eagles coach) Rick Renaud gave me a chance, and I stepped up.”

Mt. Ararat lost that game to Cheverus, but gained a staple in its defense for the rest of his career. Gadbois looked forward to using his new-found confidence.

“I really felt that things were going to start changing after that,” he said. “It did give me a lot of confidence. I definitely anticipated the next season and taking on a big role and hopefully benefiting the team.”

Gadbois ultimately had a stellar career at Mt. Ararat. The Eagles went 60-6-6 during his four years. Mt. Ararat won four KVAC titles, reached the Eastern Maine final four times and played in two state championships, winning the Class A crown in 2003.

“When you have that type of player, the team knows he can pull it out for you,” said Renaud. “When you go into a game with that, you don’t have to worry. He’s really had an impact on our program.”

Gadbois is the 2004 Sun Journal Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year. Other players considered were Bangor’s Dylan George, Ellsworth’s Jensen Rich and Brunswick’s Jesse Kaplan.

Mt. Ararat posted 10 shutouts this season and reached the Eastern Maine final before losing to Hampden Academy 1-0.

“He’s a quality player,” said Renaud. “The kids know if we get into trouble, he’s going to pull it out. If we get stuck in our end, he can take over the game.”

Gadbois scored eight goals and had 10 assists during his senior year. Though he played sweeper, he played a variety of positions during his career. He says his biggest contribution to the team was playing wherever and doing whatever it took to help.

A captain his junior season, he carried on that leadership role as a senior, even though he wasn’t a captain. He and Kyle LeDuc would often run practice for the first 45 minutes before Renaud arrived. They’d run a variety of drills they’d learned elsewhere and help get the team prepared for practice.

“Rick Renaud trusted us tremendously,” said Gadbois. “The team responded well to that, and it gave us time to warm up for practice. Between us and the coach, it made a great atmosphere.”

Having faith in Gadbois certainly paid off in the long run. Gadbois accepted that role and thrived at it.

“Coach definitely put a lot of responsibility on me and Kyle – making sure there was no horseplay on the varsity and making sure that the team was playing the way it was supposed to,” he said.

Gadbois was named Maine’s only All-American by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association earlier this month. He was also one of three players selected for All-New England honors. Often training alone at 6 a.m., Gadbois says those honors are meaningful because it has shown him others respect the effort he’s put forth.

“It’s definitely an honor,” said Gadbois. “I was completely surprised and thrilled by that. I personally feel that I’ve put in my time, and it’s nice to have people appreciate that with me.”