Nick Lurvey excels as top scorer at Manlius Pebble Hill

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Nick Lurvey is laser-focused on redemption. After Manlius Pebble Hill High School lost in the 2023 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Section III Semifinals to Poland High School, all Lurvey could do was watch helplessly. He scored five goals in MPH’s round-of-16 game, but the striker was held scoreless for just the seventh time all season.

When the clock expired, Lurvey watched Poland’s players stream onto the field in celebration. That feeling is what has motivated him throughout his senior season. He’s determined to finish his high school career on top.

“We need a little more urgency, but I think this is the most impressive team yet so far,” Lurvey said. “So I think we’ll be successful in the long run.”

Lurvey entered his senior season as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in central New York, combining for 36 goals across his sophomore and junior seasons in 2022 and 2023. Fifteen games into his senior season, the striker leads MPH with 13 goals. Alongside his twin brother, Sam, and his younger brother, Andy, the Lurveys have accounted for two-thirds of the Trojans’ scoring.

According to the Lurveys’ parents, Gabe and Heather, soccer balls often flew around the house as the brothers grew up. Lurvey’s passion for soccer stems from his father’s experience. In college, Gabe played for Air Force before playing professionally for the Air Force in its World Class Athlete Program.

Lurvey’s finishing ability has always been his standout quality. MPH head coach Tim Goldman described it as “next level.”

“(Lurvey) is a very talented soccer player. He’s played competitively for a long time, and it shows in his technical ability and technique,” Goldman said.

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Along with Lurvey’s individual brilliance, his connection with his brothers helps him stand out.

“They just have a sense of each other that is uncanny,” Heather said. “I think they could just play the game blindfolded and know where each other is.”

Though Lurvey and his brothers have displayed innate chemistry on the field, moments off of it bring them closer together. Even when not at practice or in-game situations, the siblings are usually honing their skills in the backyard.

Lurvey’s strong bond with his brothers means their time on the field together is even more special. As the top-three scorers for MPH, their connection has also translated.

The trio has 66 of the team’s 109 total points this season, with Lurvey leading the way at 33. Before Lurvey had hat tricks in wins against Mater Dei Academy and Bishop Grimes, Sam scored all four of the Trojans’ goals in their season-opening victory against Cortland.

While the brothers’ on-field connection has been a storyline, Lurvey’s leadership hasn’t been unnoticed. Goldman sees Lurvey as a critical part of the team’s success, both as a player and teammate.
“(Lurvey) handles challenges or setbacks on the field with poise, and that’s an excellent testament to his character,” Goldman said.

For their parents, watching the three boys play together has been a joy. This is especially true knowing that this season could be the last they share the field.

“It’s a pleasure to have them back together on the same team. We’re trying to make every game and enjoy every minute of it because this is probably the last year,” Heather said.

As Lurvey approaches the end of his high school career, college looms large. Though undecided about his future school, Lurvey is carefully weighing his options, with soccer being the main deciding factor.

Regardless of where Lurvey ends up, his legacy at MPH is already cemented. Goldman believes Lurvey’s dedication has left an indelible mark on the program. For Lurvey, there’s still plenty of soccer left to play. But knows what his time at MPH has meant to him.

“This is my favorite team I’ve ever been on,” Lurvey said. “I love playing every game. It’s a special group of guys. I’m really going to miss playing here.”

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