The numbers tell part of Nolan Thomas’s story: #33 as a freshman, #14 as a sophomore and #11 as a junior. Now he returns for his senior season still wearing #11—but this time with a captain’s armband.

As his role grew, so did the speed, technical ability and quiet determination he brought to the Wildcats.

Ask Nolan how it feels to have made it this far, though, and you won’t get a grand speech.

“I didn’t think I would make it this far playing soccer, so it’s pretty chill.”

That answer is unmistakably Nolan: honest, understated and completely comfortable letting his play do the talking.

From a Big Junior Moment to Senior Captain

When we featured Nolan in a Player Spotlight last fall, he had just delivered one of the season’s unforgettable moments: a late winning goal against Penn-Trafford that gave Latrobe a 1–0 victory and completed the Wildcats’ season sweep.

That goal captured so much of what Nolan brings to the field—pace, persistence, composure and the belief that one more run or one more opportunity can change a game.

Now he enters his final season wearing #11 and serving as a Wildcats captain.

Leadership does not have to be loud. For Nolan, it looks like working, pressing, making the next run and showing younger players what can happen when they continue believing in themselves. His advice to them is simple: work hard enough to earn the opportunity. If he could go back, he would tell his freshman self to begin putting in that work even sooner.

Nolan’s goals for the season reflect both personal ambition and the responsibility he feels toward his team: earn All-Section recognition, help Latrobe claim another section title and make a run at the WPIAL championship.

The Work Behind “Pretty Chill”

Nolan may describe himself as laid-back, but his game is built on preparation. Before competition, he visualizes success. Once the game begins, he trusts his speed, technical ability and willingness to keep going.

His favorite memories include the 2024 trip to Franklin and an unforgettable away game at Belle Vernon. The experiences have helped teach him something important—something he carries far beyond soccer:

“Size doesn’t matter.”

What matters is what a player does with the opportunity in front of him.

Nolan hopes his teammates remember him as technical, fast and, naturally, “a chill guy.” He would also like the Wildcats’ bagpipe tradition to continue after this senior class leaves—although someone may need to make sure the instructions get passed down.

More Than the Player Wearing #11

Away from Latrobe soccer, Nolan also competes in track and has played with the Riverhounds and Outdoor Odyssey. He enjoys building computers, being outdoors and anything that gives him the chance to keep learning or testing himself.

His off-field favorites offer a pretty accurate picture of his personality: 21 Jump Street, Cobra Kai, Yeat, Manchester United and Sour Patch Kids. If he could meet any athlete, it would be Cristiano Ronaldo. If he could travel anywhere, he would choose Switzerland.

After graduation, Nolan is leaning toward Saint Vincent College, where he hopes to continue playing soccer while studying cybersecurity. Ten years from now, his goal is refreshingly straightforward: to be happy with what he is doing.

One More Season

Nolan is especially grateful to his mom, dad and sisters for everything they have done to help him reach this point.

Across four seasons, Nolan’s role continued to grow: from a freshman wearing #33, to a sophomore in #14, to earning #11 as a junior. Now he returns in that same jersey as a senior captain—trusted to help lead the Wildcats through one final season.