The Brandeis men's soccer team began its 2002 season. The season didn't start off as they wanted it to, as they lost to Babson 5-1. The lone goal scored by Brandeis was put in by freshman sensation Shelton Stewart '06. His first collegiate goal hopefully will pave the way for a very productive career at Brandeis.This 5'9" freshman from Clarendon, Jamaica may not be the most well-known player in the collegiate soccer world. However, with time, Stewart should be among the top players in the UAA. Built with a small frame, Stewart is blessed with blazing speed and agility. As a freshman Stewart has already cracked the starting roster and has quickly become one of the top scorers on the Brandeis team. Stewart plays the Striker position, where he is able to exhibit his speed as well as his superb dribbling skills. One can tell from watching Stewart that he is a natural athlete by seeing him run down defenders, and in a split second retain control of the ball. Anyone who can appreciate athleticism should see Stewart patrol the soccer field.

He did not move to the states until a few years ago. That, however, did not slow Stewart's progress on either the soccer field or in the classroom. In high school, the Hotchkiss School, not only did Stewart emerge as a dominant player, but he also mastered the English language and earned very good grades.

Aside from playing for the Hotchkiss School, Stewart played on several travel teams where he was able to find other competition to use his skills. There is no question that he has a lot of natural talent; however, he will need to be coached properly in order to get the most out of his talent. Stewart certainly has the skill and interest to compete in soccer after Brandeis. It is simply a matter of how much instruction he receives and how much he works at improving himself as a player. Soccer is the only sport he says he plans on playing at Brandeis, which means he can work on his skills throughout the year .

Stewart quickly became popular among his teammates with his sense of humor and charisma.

"Stewart is a good team player and fun to be around," Charles Goodhue '06 said.

Under the leadership of coaches Mike Covan and Jack Gillis, Stewart should be able to vastly improve in all areas of his game.