Growing up watching football, Sebastian DeRubeis dreamed of playing the sport. On his 13th birthday, his mother Beth granted him that wish. Over his four years on the North Haven football team, Sebastian transformed himself into a confident defensive back on the Nighthawks’ defense.

“I always had an interest in football. I watched it all the time growing up. I asked to play in my younger years but my mom was always hesitant about it,” Sebastian says. “For my 13th birthday she signed me up to play. Ever since I moved to defensive back I knew it was for me, I loved playing it.”

Sebastian started playing football in the seventh grade for North Haven’s recreational league. At first, his coaches had him play inside linebacker. However, once Sebastian realized the position wasn’t for him, he was moved to defensive back. Standing 5’5”, Sebastian says it could sometimes be a challenge to go up against taller wide receivers. However, he says he was always up for the challenge and loved going up against the opposing team’s best.

“It’s fun, but it’s also challenging at times. I’m a shorter defensive back and all these receivers in high school are pretty tall,” Sebastian says. “It was a hard challenge, but it’s something I love to take on. I focused on technique and trusted my coaches.”

As a freshman, Sebastian spent the year at the JV level but didn’t see much playing time. He says the transition opened his eyes as to what it would take to succeed at the high school level. He had to go from two practices a week to practices Monday through Thursday. He would then attend the varsity games, watch from the sidelines and have to go back to practice on Monday. While it may have been hard, Sebastian stuck it through and was determined to make it on the varsity field.

He got that opportunity as a sophomore, but only briefly. He started one game, but only saw one series of action. Other than that, he again spent the year at the JV level. Sebastian’s junior year was canceled due to COVID-19.

When he came back as a senior, Sebastian was named a varsity starter at defensive back. He says having the year off, he had to adjust to the speed of the game. He says he knew what was expected, and at cornerback, he knew that one wrong move could cost his team a touchdown. But once he took the field, Sebastian says he was confident and that his time in the program had him prepared to be a starter.

“I’m not a big person. But being small was never a challenge for me,” Sebastian says. “I knew I could play with anybody on the field. I just used my confidence to help my game throughout the years.”

Growing up, Sebastian played basketball alongside football. However, he stopped after his freshman season at North Haven. He says that unlike other sports, he always felt comfortable on the football field.

“It just came easily, it just clicked for me,” Sebastian says about football. “I played other sports where I struggled and I had to work harder. I had to work to be a decent player. Once I hit the football field, it just came naturally to me.”

North Haven Head Coach Anthony Sagnella saw as Sebastian worked his way up to the varsity level that not only did the senior defensive back improve on the field, he was always willing to help his teammates succeed.

“Sebastian brought energy every day. Whether it was game day, practice, the classroom, or a work out,” Sagnella said. “Sebby could always be counted on to bring his best and to bring the very best out of his teammates.”

Alongside football, Sebastian is also a member of North Haven’s boys’ lacrosse team. As a senior, he was named a captain of the Nighthawks alongside Jake Hines and Michael Masto. Sebastian says he has learned numerous life lessons playing football, and he is excited to share those life lessons with his lacrosse teammates.

“It’s an honor and a privilege. I’m excited for the task ahead. I know we have a lot of work to do in the offseason, which we’re going to start soon,” Sebastian says. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re going to be a sleeper team this year. We’ve got a lot of talent this year and I think we can make some noise.

In five years, Sebastian went from someone who just watched the sport to a starting varsity defensive back with North Haven. He says he is honored to represent his town and that there’s no one else he would rather play for.

“I wouldn’t want to play for any other town,” Sebastian says. “This is such a hardworking town, we’re gritty, we just keep our heads down and work hard. We may not produce the best athletes every year, but we’re always up there with some of the best teams.”