In the week of the boys soccer state tournament semifinals and championship game, Hill-Murray senior midfielder Jacob Dinzeo took a break from writing college essays, of all things, to speak with a reporter.

Welcome to his life.

Dinzeo is as well-rounded as they come, sporting a grade-point average of over 4.0 amid a rigorous course schedule, while also volunteering in the community and, yeah, guiding the Hill-Murray soccer program to incredible heights.

The senior midfielder continued his efforts in the latter Wednesday, tallying two assists in Hill-Murray’s 6-1 Class 2A state tournament semifinal victory over St. Cloud Tech at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Dinzeo has 20 goals and 16 assists this season while leading Hill-Murray to its second consecutive state championship appearance. Hill-Murray, which lost in last year’s state title match, will battle top-seeded Orono at 12:30 p.m. Friday for state supremacy.

All of that makes him the 2023 Pioneer Press East Metro Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Pioneers coach Jeff Zupfer described Dinzeo as a “pretty special kid.”

“But also a kid who hasn’t peaked yet,” he added, “which is kind of scary.”

Dinzeo is never done evolving. He came to Hill-Murray as a highly-skilled player thanks in part to his work in club soccer. But he has a constant thirst for improvement in all areas.

During his time in the Pioneers program, he has become more of a facilitator as he’s adjusted to added defensive attention. He’s worked to develop his right foot, which now pairs nicely with his dominant left. And, just as importantly, he has grown as a leader and communicator who has uncovered how and when to address teammates in the name of improvement and accountability.

“He’s very willing to learn. … Jacob is always asking questions,” Zupfer said. “He’s realized that he hasn’t arrived yet and there’s more to his game to improve on.”

Dinzeo, who has committed to Amherst on the east coast, where he’ll play soccer and potentially pursue a degree in biological science or pre-medicine, said that trait stems from his competitiveness, which he admits was likely unhealthy when he was a kid.

“You could ask anyone in my family, when I was younger, we used to play World Cup in my backyard or games in my front yard, and if I lost, I was crying and saying everyone else was a cheater. I never could lose,” Dinzeo said. “Very competitive, maybe a little too competitive, and it brought out some negative parts in me.”

Now, it’s a force for good.

“Even though I’ve calmed down, that’s just carried itself through,” he said. “And I do strive, in most areas of my life, to try to maybe not be the best, but be the best for myself.”

And, on the pitch, his best is pretty spectacular. Sometimes that shows itself by Dinzeo making plays for others. St. Thomas Academy coach Brian Kallman told Zupfer their “whole game plan is to shut down Jacob. He’s like a generational player.”

He has shown why on plenty of occasions. When asked for a standout moment from Dinzeo’s high school career, he and Zupfer both cited a goal from Dinzeo’s junior year against Cretin-Derham Hall, a free kick from about 25 yards out.

“Probably by luck, I laced one and it just curled right into the top corner,” Dinzeo said. “It just seemingly dipped and went bar down.”

Cretin-Derham Hall’s coach looked at Zupfer and laughed. Dinzeo’s reaction was more jubilant.

“I think my celebration gave it its due credit. It’s the only time I’ve scored a goal and not known how to react when it went into the back of the net,” he said. “So I just galloped and screamed on the way back.”

Another moment Zupfer recalled fondly was after this year’s section final, where Hill-Murray — which has experienced a bumpier fall after sailing smoothly for much of last season — beat Holy Angels to get back to state.

Coach and player enjoyed a nice embrace during which Zupfer could sense Dinzeo’s relief. While Hill-Murray has struggled more this fall, Dinzeo noted how close this team has proven to be. He has played a large role in that.

“He has definitely realized that there is a legacy he’s leaving within our program,” Zupfer said.

The final chapter of which will be written Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“Job,” Dinzeo noted, “is not finished.”

FINALISTS

Victor Espinoza Lopez, senior midfielder, Apple Valley: Consistent at generating, and capitalizing on, goal-scoring opportunities.

Eli Lewis, senior goalkeeper, Rosemount: The leader of a Rosemount defense that kept a clean sheet in 12 games this fall en route to section final appearance.

Cooper Olson, senior goalkeeper, St. Paul Academy: Class A Mr. Soccer winner has Spartans in position to defend state crown.

Rhys Tidwell, senior defender, Central: Capable of providing some offensive punch, Tidwell was key defensive cog for the St. Paul City Conference champion.

Colin Vilme, senior midfielder, Stillwater: Potent offensive player scored 16 goals while leading Stillwater to section final.

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